Reese looks up from his desk at Angelica, his eyes filled with worry and he shakes his head. "I just got off the phone with a doctor up at the hospital. It's Hope. She's..." He looks down then back up again. "She's not doing well. Badly enough that they want her close friends to know." To say she was dying was something he just couldn't do right now.
Fiddling with a pen on his desk, he didn't know what else to say. He wasn't even sure why he'd called Angelica to his office to tell her. No, maybe he did. Maybe he just needed someone to reassure him. The people here... he looked after all of them, so to see one fall, even if it wasn't Elite related... it tore him up inside.
Reese's eyes study Angelica's. "She's so young... and what will this do to Scott?" There was a whole other worry there as well. He sighs deeply and puts his head in his hands. Sometimes he just didn't understand.
Scott didn't know how long he stood at the window, but when he moves, his eyes are dry and bloodshot. Still in his jeans and hoodie, he slips on his sneakers while picking up the phone. After a short call, he glances out the window one more time. Pale, thin and weak he was... but there was something more important than his pride right now. He was dying inside and needed closure.
Heading out of his room, Scott looks both ways before heading down the hall and downstairs. Seeing Jenny, he musters up something close to a smile. "I'm going outside for a little while."
"Okay." Jenn could see he'd been crying, but she didn't ask. Scott had learned when he needed someone that she was there, and she never pried. "If you're not in by lunch, I'll come get you."
"Yeah... thanks." Scott wanders outside, down the sidewalk and finds a bench to sit on. His gaze roams the grounds and everything that was no so familiar. He wondered if this was what someone in prison felt like... it was a hated atmosphere, but he was so used to it now, that he didn't even know if he could survive somewhere else.
Once he was confident that no one was paying him much attention, he rises and wanders again, this time towards the parking lot.
Hearing his phone ring, Justin keeps his eyes on the road and doesn't answer it. Usually he didn't care and used his cell while driving, but today it was more than just because he was behind the wheel. His spirits were heavy after leaving Brookshire, and after running some errands then heading home, it hadn't changed.
Finally getting home, he winds up puttering around the house and outside for at least an hour before remembering that his phone had rung a while earlier. The aftenoon was already half over and he wasn't sure what else he was doing now. Finding his cell phone in on the counter, he listens, only now realizing that it had been Beth, and he feels a little badly for not calling her right back. Hearing what she had to say, he quirks an eyebrow. Pictures, huh? Maybe this was what he'd been hoping for, as far as her improvement. But tonight? He could suck it up enough to go right?
Leaning on the counter, he goes to dial but quite suddenly, it rings. Jumping and almost dropping it, Justin sees it's Brookshire. Now what?
Sighing, he answers. "Yeah. What? How? What do you mean he... yeah. For crying out loud. Didn't you... never mind. Yeah, I think I might know. Don't do anything else until you hear from me, okay? Right."
Closing his phone, Justin is already grabbing his truck keys and heading for the door. On his way, he dials Beth, just as glad when he has to leave a message. "Hey, Beth, it's me. Got your message. Would love to come over, but something came up and I don't know when I'll be free. Might be later tonight and I don't even know if you work tonight, so..."
He gets into his pickup and starts the engine, thankful that it started on the first try. "...you can give me a call back if you want, and let me know. Talk to you later."
Off the phone again, Justin heads for the road. This certainly had not been on his agenda today, but he had a feeling he knew where to go.
Entering the small room, Scott's ears pick up the whirring and quiet beeping of machines. He'd always hated hospitals, and now hated them even more. Still shaking from the numerous fears he'd already faced, he forces his feet forward. Seeing the still form in bed makes his heart ache even more. Maybe it was good she was sleeping... she would rest peacefully and wouldn't have to see him like this. He knew he looked far worse than he had when Hope had seen him last, so perhaps it was better this way. She looked so frail herself now though - so quiet and pale.
Reaching the bed, Scott pulls a chair nearer and sits down. Trying to keep his emotions in check, he reaches out and takes Hope's hand in his. She felt cold. He adjusts the blanket a little.
Running his thumb through her palm, tears spring into his eyes. He remembered the last time he'd seen her. He hadn't wanted her to come back. He'd sent her away after being downright manipulative and even mean.
"I'm sorry," he whispers. "I just... I didn't want you to see me like that... like this." He chokes on his words as more tears escape. "I...I don't... I don't like who I am anymore and... and I didn't want you to have to... to see me go through that. I just... wanted to be strong and... and I couldn't be."
His thumb continues to caress her hand. "Please don't leave," he begs in almost a whimper. "You're what's kept me going. If I ever get out of Brookshire and... and you're not here, I... I don't know what I'd do."
"Scott?"
His head snaps up and he swallows hard, brushing his eyes with the back of his hand. He didn't need to turn around. He knew who it was. "I know. Give me another minute."
Justin respects Scott's wishes and backs out of the doorway to wait in the hall. Though he wanted to let Scott stay as long as he liked, he needed to get him back to Brookshire - with just the past few hours being gone, it was going to take some quick thinking to convince them not to lock up Scott now, not to mention getting the one nurse not to press charges for car theft.
Scott looks down at Hope again, feeling more helpless than he ever could before. Not only could he not take care of himself, but now he could do nothing for her either. If she died... he wasn't sure he'd ever leave Brookshire. His best friend and his sister had betrayed him... and if Hope was gone on top of it... what would be the point?
Slowly rising, he leans over the bed and places a soft kiss on Hope's forehead. "I love you," he whispers. Standing straight, it seems to take all his energy just to let go of her hand. He knew he hadn't treated her well the last few months, but he didn't know how else to deal with everything. And now... now he might never get to talk to her again.
Too miserable for words, Scott backs away and finally turns, trudging to the door where he knew Justin was waiting.
9/14/10
9/13/10
Lonly
Wrapping his arms around Dani again and just resting his head back once more Dalton didn't mind the five more minutes. Bringing his arms around Dani again Dalton lets out a happy sigh.
"Ten more minutes sounds great to me."
Hearing Reese's voice come in over the intercom Angelica looks up. There was something about the tone in his voice was off and she new something was wrong.
"Sure, I'll be right there."
Putting what she was working on away for the moment Angelica stands and makes her way to Reese office. Giving a knock to the door Angelica pokes her head in to make sure it was clear before entering. Not to sure of what was going on or if this had to do with business Angelica stayed in a somewhat professional stance.
"Hey, whats up? Everything ok?"
Sitting at home Beth looks across the table that sat a card bored box she had removed from the addict. Inside held pictures of a past long ago. Beth wanted to look at them, she wanted to face what she had been running from but did she want to face it alone?
Picking up her phone and dialing Justin's number Beth waits till she hears the voice mail.Thinking a moment before it kicked away from the message she wondered if she should bother him or not. Figuring he wouldn't call back if she was bothering him she leaves the message anyways.
"Hey Justin its Beth...I was just wondering if maybe you'd like to come over for some coffee and look through some pictures with me. If your...busy I understand...just let me know."
Hanging up the phone Beth puts the phone down she wonders to the door and just looks out the window for a long moment. Part of her hoped Justin would called, she felt lonely today a feeling that had been long forgotten till now.
"Ten more minutes sounds great to me."
Hearing Reese's voice come in over the intercom Angelica looks up. There was something about the tone in his voice was off and she new something was wrong.
"Sure, I'll be right there."
Putting what she was working on away for the moment Angelica stands and makes her way to Reese office. Giving a knock to the door Angelica pokes her head in to make sure it was clear before entering. Not to sure of what was going on or if this had to do with business Angelica stayed in a somewhat professional stance.
"Hey, whats up? Everything ok?"
Sitting at home Beth looks across the table that sat a card bored box she had removed from the addict. Inside held pictures of a past long ago. Beth wanted to look at them, she wanted to face what she had been running from but did she want to face it alone?
Picking up her phone and dialing Justin's number Beth waits till she hears the voice mail.Thinking a moment before it kicked away from the message she wondered if she should bother him or not. Figuring he wouldn't call back if she was bothering him she leaves the message anyways.
"Hey Justin its Beth...I was just wondering if maybe you'd like to come over for some coffee and look through some pictures with me. If your...busy I understand...just let me know."
Hanging up the phone Beth puts the phone down she wonders to the door and just looks out the window for a long moment. Part of her hoped Justin would called, she felt lonely today a feeling that had been long forgotten till now.
9/12/10
Leave.
Dani smiles again, feeling so content. "Yeah, you can shower here - I don't mind as long as you don't." They both were careful not to cross any lines, but Dani trusted him completely and really didn't mind a bit if he wanted to clean up here instead of home.
Sighing deeply, she lets her head rest on him again, feeling so warm and safe. "Ten more minutes... then I'll call Carson and you can call Reese."
As Reese hears what Amanda has to say, his heart skips a beat before it feels like it drops to his stomach. "I..." He shakes his head, trying to get his thoughts together for the doctor's sake. "Th...thank you. Yes, thank you for calling. I'll... I'll pass this information along."
Ending the short call, Reese lets out a long sigh and hides his face in his hands for several moments before picking up the phone again. He has to look up the number, and when he reaches a voice mail, he hesitates, not sure if he wants to leave a message or not. It might be his only chance though, and he needed to say what should be. It was only right.
Once he's finished with the call, he hangs up again. Biting his lip, he tries to hold his composure before pressing the intercom to Angelica's office. "Angelica, would you... would you come to my office for a moment?"
Justin ambles from the building, tired, but feeling alright. His short conversation with Beth had been pleasant... his session with Scott had gone well... now it would be off to home to do some yard work and then on to his mother's for supper.
Heading down the sidewalk, he remembers he hasn't checked his phone in a while, so he retrieves it from his backpack. Finding a new voice mail, he listens while he walks. But the message he hears is one that makes him stop in his tracks, his stomach sinking. He knew what he had to do... Reese had asked him to... but it wasn't going to be easy.
Turning around, Justin walks back inside, but his steps are slower this time. Depositing his bag and everything else he was carrying on the floor, he nods to Jenny. "Watch these a minute, will you?" He doesn't bother to explain, but heads straight up the stairs, aiming for Scott's room.
Scott is standing at his window, weary from his session with Justin, but wanting to stay alert for a little while before giving in to a nap. A knock at the door surprises him and he turns. "Come in." Seeing Justin surprises him even more. "What is it?"
"Scott, I'm sorry, but..." Justin comes in and closes the door. "I just got a message on my phone and... I need to talk to you for a moment."
Scott feels an odd twist in his gut. "Um... ok."
"Why don't you sit down?"
Scott swallows hard, bracing himself. Something was wrong. Easing down to sit on the bed, his good eye looks up at Justin with question and anxiety. "What's wrong?"
Justin takes a deep breath, knowing that he couldn't treat Scott like a child, but he couldn't just blurt it out either. "The message was from Reese, um... it's Hope."
Scott's eyes widen. "Is she okay? What happened?"
"She's... she's been sick, Scott. And... now she's... in the hospital." Justin does his best, but he knows it will be a shock no matter what.
Scott's face pales. Dalton had said she'd been sick, but not like that. "Well what's wrong? She's going to be okay, right? I mean, they're taking care of her?" He gropes for some reassurance.
Justin hesitates again before sitting down next to him. "She's had cancer. Lung cancer. They ended up giving her a transfusion but... it didn't go as well as hoped and..." His voice is quiet, wishing beyond wishing that there was some other way for him to say all this. "...And Reese is letting people know."
Scott blinks, not even sure how to feel in this moment. It felt like everything had just been turned upside down and he'd been dropped on his head... again. "Cancer?" That wasn't the flu or cold he'd thought it was. "She's... she's dying?"
Silence.
Scott turns to Justin, his voice wavering, but his tone was stern. "Justin, is Hope dying?"
Justin closes his eyes for a moment, but finally looks up to meet Scott's stare. "Yes."
Scott feels as thought he's going to throw up, but he somehow maintains his composure. There was a new emotion now... an emotion that made his hands ball into fists. "Cancer," he repeats quietly. "You knew, didn't you? You knew before today."
Justin purses his lips, wanting to say no, but unwilling to cross that line and lie. "Yes."
"And Dalton. He knew, too."
"Probably."
"And my sister?"
"I'm not sure, Scott. Probably, but it's been kept quiet." Justin tries to keep the atmosphere calm. "Hope didn't want a lot of people knowing. It was out of respect for her that nothing was said."
"Did she ask specifically that I not be told?"
Justin pauses. "Yes."
Quiet for several moments, Scott's jaw begins to tense. Rising from the bed, he wanders to the window and places his palm on the cool glass. "Leave."
Justin sighs and stands up. "I'm sorry, Scott. If I would have thought that-"
"I don't want you coming back." Scott turns around with a glare that could freeze the sun. "I will request to be dealt with by another counselor."
Justin's shoulders drop. "Aw, no. I'm sorry, but please don't-"
"I asked you to leave," Scott interrupts. Anger blazed in his stare. "And since you're obviously so close to everyone in my former world, tell my sister not to come back and... and tell Dalton the same thing."
Having Scott turn his back on him, Justin can only sigh. He should have approached this differently. He'd missed something. He should have said something differently or done a better job at breaking the news. Now everything was a mess, and he felt to blame. He opens his mouth to say more, but then stops. There was no point now. Leaving the room, he shuts the door quietly behind himself before walking slowly down the hall. Maybe he wouldn't go to his mother's for supper after all. He didn't want to have to explain the stress in his eyes.
Hearing Justin leave, Scott's shoulders finally sink and he leans his hand on the window again. Now alone, his lower lip trembles and his eyes fill with tears. They stung, but he lets them linger in his eyes, torturing him until he has to blink and allow them to cascade down his face.
Sighing deeply, she lets her head rest on him again, feeling so warm and safe. "Ten more minutes... then I'll call Carson and you can call Reese."
As Reese hears what Amanda has to say, his heart skips a beat before it feels like it drops to his stomach. "I..." He shakes his head, trying to get his thoughts together for the doctor's sake. "Th...thank you. Yes, thank you for calling. I'll... I'll pass this information along."
Ending the short call, Reese lets out a long sigh and hides his face in his hands for several moments before picking up the phone again. He has to look up the number, and when he reaches a voice mail, he hesitates, not sure if he wants to leave a message or not. It might be his only chance though, and he needed to say what should be. It was only right.
Once he's finished with the call, he hangs up again. Biting his lip, he tries to hold his composure before pressing the intercom to Angelica's office. "Angelica, would you... would you come to my office for a moment?"
Justin ambles from the building, tired, but feeling alright. His short conversation with Beth had been pleasant... his session with Scott had gone well... now it would be off to home to do some yard work and then on to his mother's for supper.
Heading down the sidewalk, he remembers he hasn't checked his phone in a while, so he retrieves it from his backpack. Finding a new voice mail, he listens while he walks. But the message he hears is one that makes him stop in his tracks, his stomach sinking. He knew what he had to do... Reese had asked him to... but it wasn't going to be easy.
Turning around, Justin walks back inside, but his steps are slower this time. Depositing his bag and everything else he was carrying on the floor, he nods to Jenny. "Watch these a minute, will you?" He doesn't bother to explain, but heads straight up the stairs, aiming for Scott's room.
Scott is standing at his window, weary from his session with Justin, but wanting to stay alert for a little while before giving in to a nap. A knock at the door surprises him and he turns. "Come in." Seeing Justin surprises him even more. "What is it?"
"Scott, I'm sorry, but..." Justin comes in and closes the door. "I just got a message on my phone and... I need to talk to you for a moment."
Scott feels an odd twist in his gut. "Um... ok."
"Why don't you sit down?"
Scott swallows hard, bracing himself. Something was wrong. Easing down to sit on the bed, his good eye looks up at Justin with question and anxiety. "What's wrong?"
Justin takes a deep breath, knowing that he couldn't treat Scott like a child, but he couldn't just blurt it out either. "The message was from Reese, um... it's Hope."
Scott's eyes widen. "Is she okay? What happened?"
"She's... she's been sick, Scott. And... now she's... in the hospital." Justin does his best, but he knows it will be a shock no matter what.
Scott's face pales. Dalton had said she'd been sick, but not like that. "Well what's wrong? She's going to be okay, right? I mean, they're taking care of her?" He gropes for some reassurance.
Justin hesitates again before sitting down next to him. "She's had cancer. Lung cancer. They ended up giving her a transfusion but... it didn't go as well as hoped and..." His voice is quiet, wishing beyond wishing that there was some other way for him to say all this. "...And Reese is letting people know."
Scott blinks, not even sure how to feel in this moment. It felt like everything had just been turned upside down and he'd been dropped on his head... again. "Cancer?" That wasn't the flu or cold he'd thought it was. "She's... she's dying?"
Silence.
Scott turns to Justin, his voice wavering, but his tone was stern. "Justin, is Hope dying?"
Justin closes his eyes for a moment, but finally looks up to meet Scott's stare. "Yes."
Scott feels as thought he's going to throw up, but he somehow maintains his composure. There was a new emotion now... an emotion that made his hands ball into fists. "Cancer," he repeats quietly. "You knew, didn't you? You knew before today."
Justin purses his lips, wanting to say no, but unwilling to cross that line and lie. "Yes."
"And Dalton. He knew, too."
"Probably."
"And my sister?"
"I'm not sure, Scott. Probably, but it's been kept quiet." Justin tries to keep the atmosphere calm. "Hope didn't want a lot of people knowing. It was out of respect for her that nothing was said."
"Did she ask specifically that I not be told?"
Justin pauses. "Yes."
Quiet for several moments, Scott's jaw begins to tense. Rising from the bed, he wanders to the window and places his palm on the cool glass. "Leave."
Justin sighs and stands up. "I'm sorry, Scott. If I would have thought that-"
"I don't want you coming back." Scott turns around with a glare that could freeze the sun. "I will request to be dealt with by another counselor."
Justin's shoulders drop. "Aw, no. I'm sorry, but please don't-"
"I asked you to leave," Scott interrupts. Anger blazed in his stare. "And since you're obviously so close to everyone in my former world, tell my sister not to come back and... and tell Dalton the same thing."
Having Scott turn his back on him, Justin can only sigh. He should have approached this differently. He'd missed something. He should have said something differently or done a better job at breaking the news. Now everything was a mess, and he felt to blame. He opens his mouth to say more, but then stops. There was no point now. Leaving the room, he shuts the door quietly behind himself before walking slowly down the hall. Maybe he wouldn't go to his mother's for supper after all. He didn't want to have to explain the stress in his eyes.
Hearing Justin leave, Scott's shoulders finally sink and he leans his hand on the window again. Now alone, his lower lip trembles and his eyes fill with tears. They stung, but he lets them linger in his eyes, torturing him until he has to blink and allow them to cascade down his face.
I'm sorry
Taking the a cup of hot coco for himself Trey gives a small nod before heading back to the fire with Ariel. The next while seems to go by pretty fast as sometimes it was quiet and other times Trey seemed to chim in with Ariel and try fitting into the conversation even if it was awkward and sometimes he really didn't know about what they were talking about. But he did his best.
Finally as it was time to head out Trey gives a nod to Pete at least letting his friend know he saw him and would be along shortly. Tonight had been different for sure and maybe a little awkward at times but it was better than being stuck inside TJY.
"It was nice meeting you as well Ariel. Thanks for the hot coco. I am sure I will see you around again."
Just standing there for a moment he continues to look at Ariel for a moment almost as if contemplating something. Most of the girls he new he'd kissed before, and thats what they wanted...but this was different right?
Reaching out and brushing his fingers over Ariel's cheek Trey grins a little before letting his hand fall again. This was different.
"Good Night."
Turning and heading away from her Trey tosses his cup into the garbage and sticks his hands in his pockets. Slowly taking his time but finally getting back to Pete's car and hopping in.
"Thanks for letting me come along tonight it was nice to get out."
Nuzzling his head into her hair Dalton takes in the soft smell of her shampoo. She might think he was blind but she really did think she was very pretty.
"Mmm...a picnic sounds good, and ditching out of work well it sounds great. Not like I do it all the time so I think I'd be ok."
Bringing his finger under Dani's chin Dalton lifts it to look into her eyes and smiles. Bringing his lips to her and giving her a soft kiss before pulling away.
"I have change of cloths in my car if I can take a shower here as long as its ok with you. Than we can get away...just...away for a little while and yes I do mean it."
Letting out a long sigh Amanda headed down the hall to the nurses station. Some days she hated her job and today when there was a life hanging on for dear life was a day she hated it. Picking up the phone and dialing TJY Amanda waits till she hears Reese answer on the other end.
"Hello Mike Reese? This is Amanda from Franklin Hospital I'm calling about Hope Garrison."
Pausing for a moment she trys to collect her thoughts. It was hard to tell anyone bad news and she hated it most of all.
"I wasnt sure who to call, and I figured you would be able to pass the message along. Hope had her transphustion today and we thought it would take well but it has not. She's not doing very well right now and if we cant get it to work than...she wont last much longer. We are going to try putting her on a slow drip and see if that works better but there is no telling if it will or not. "
Leaning against the counter Amanda closes her eyes for a moment before speaking again.
"If there is anyone that wants to see her that might want to come within the next few days to see her. I've very sorry."
Finally as it was time to head out Trey gives a nod to Pete at least letting his friend know he saw him and would be along shortly. Tonight had been different for sure and maybe a little awkward at times but it was better than being stuck inside TJY.
"It was nice meeting you as well Ariel. Thanks for the hot coco. I am sure I will see you around again."
Just standing there for a moment he continues to look at Ariel for a moment almost as if contemplating something. Most of the girls he new he'd kissed before, and thats what they wanted...but this was different right?
Reaching out and brushing his fingers over Ariel's cheek Trey grins a little before letting his hand fall again. This was different.
"Good Night."
Turning and heading away from her Trey tosses his cup into the garbage and sticks his hands in his pockets. Slowly taking his time but finally getting back to Pete's car and hopping in.
"Thanks for letting me come along tonight it was nice to get out."
Nuzzling his head into her hair Dalton takes in the soft smell of her shampoo. She might think he was blind but she really did think she was very pretty.
"Mmm...a picnic sounds good, and ditching out of work well it sounds great. Not like I do it all the time so I think I'd be ok."
Bringing his finger under Dani's chin Dalton lifts it to look into her eyes and smiles. Bringing his lips to her and giving her a soft kiss before pulling away.
"I have change of cloths in my car if I can take a shower here as long as its ok with you. Than we can get away...just...away for a little while and yes I do mean it."
Letting out a long sigh Amanda headed down the hall to the nurses station. Some days she hated her job and today when there was a life hanging on for dear life was a day she hated it. Picking up the phone and dialing TJY Amanda waits till she hears Reese answer on the other end.
"Hello Mike Reese? This is Amanda from Franklin Hospital I'm calling about Hope Garrison."
Pausing for a moment she trys to collect her thoughts. It was hard to tell anyone bad news and she hated it most of all.
"I wasnt sure who to call, and I figured you would be able to pass the message along. Hope had her transphustion today and we thought it would take well but it has not. She's not doing very well right now and if we cant get it to work than...she wont last much longer. We are going to try putting her on a slow drip and see if that works better but there is no telling if it will or not. "
Leaning against the counter Amanda closes her eyes for a moment before speaking again.
"If there is anyone that wants to see her that might want to come within the next few days to see her. I've very sorry."
If you really mean it
As Trey comes back to the group, Ariel laughs and shakes her head. "Someone actually was smart enough to have already though up the hot chocolate and I weaseled out of any tasks."
Grinning, she holds up a steaming styrofoam cup. "Want some?"
Still watching from a short distance away, Pete remains involved in conversations, even if his mind was half dedicated to thinking about Trey. The young man seemed to be wanting to fit in here, but something was keeping him back, almost like he wasn't so sure about all this. Was it the type of crowd? The setting? Just because it wasn't Mexico? Or was he perhaps not as confident as he liked to let people believe. Either way, Pete keeps his distance, letting Trey interact with whoever he wanted until eventually, the group begins to break up.
It was getting late and the fire was burning low. A handful of people had already left, and the tables were being taken down. Pete was alone, and his eyes find Trey again, giving him a short wave and thumbs to the car. He was in no hurry, but he wanted Trey to know that he'd be waiting, whenever he was ready.
Ariel sees Pete too, and while she sits with Trey on the bench near the dying fire, she sighs. "Looks like your ride is ready to leave." She looks over to him and smiles. "Glad you came along tonight, Trey. I hope I see you again sometime."
Dani giggles and brings her head up again to shake it slightly. "Either your a good liar or blind. But I don't think you lie, so it must be your eyes." She waves a hand over his face as if to test his eyesight, though she grins. His compliment had made her blush and she was trying to ignore it.
Dalton's suggestion of calling in to work was way too appealing. "Mmm... that sounds like a wonderful idea." Dani's head falls back on his chest, gently moving up and down with his breath and she could feel his soothing heartbeat. Anything to spend the day with him. "Carson might kill me, but at least I'll die happy, right?"
Her arms slide around him, her hands tucking between his back and the couch cushions. "We could have a picnic on the river," she suggests. "That is..." She lifts her head again and gives his lips another soft kiss. "...if you really mean it about taking the day off."
Looking up to see Beth, Justin chuckles at her question. "Just a bit of hand-eye coordination. Nothing too outlandish, and nothing involving paint or food coloring."
Grinning, he motions for her to sit down. Her eyes seemed a little brighter today, her smile a little more visible. Were their short times together doing her good? He hoped so. She had yet to share with him the pictures she'd mentioned a while back, but perhaps she didn't need that anymore. Surely she was doing more growing on her own than with him anyway.
"Good morning, by the way. How ya doing?"
Reese paces his office, wishing the phone would ring. He knew Hope was going through her transfusion and he was anxious to hear from the doctor. He was supposed to call. He'd remember. Right? On top of all that, Jason was still down, though on the mend. Rick and Ty were gone. Con was off to be with Nate and Laura, as was Jamie. And Katie was helping take care of Jason. What was the office coming to anyway?
Groaning, he flops down in his chair. maybe he should call the hospital himself. Then at least he'd be happy to have some information. No... he needed to be patient. But with so many things going on at once, it was difficult.
He sighs and grabs some paperwork. It would keep him occupied for a while - at least until he got his head on straight.
Grinning, she holds up a steaming styrofoam cup. "Want some?"
Still watching from a short distance away, Pete remains involved in conversations, even if his mind was half dedicated to thinking about Trey. The young man seemed to be wanting to fit in here, but something was keeping him back, almost like he wasn't so sure about all this. Was it the type of crowd? The setting? Just because it wasn't Mexico? Or was he perhaps not as confident as he liked to let people believe. Either way, Pete keeps his distance, letting Trey interact with whoever he wanted until eventually, the group begins to break up.
It was getting late and the fire was burning low. A handful of people had already left, and the tables were being taken down. Pete was alone, and his eyes find Trey again, giving him a short wave and thumbs to the car. He was in no hurry, but he wanted Trey to know that he'd be waiting, whenever he was ready.
Ariel sees Pete too, and while she sits with Trey on the bench near the dying fire, she sighs. "Looks like your ride is ready to leave." She looks over to him and smiles. "Glad you came along tonight, Trey. I hope I see you again sometime."
Dani giggles and brings her head up again to shake it slightly. "Either your a good liar or blind. But I don't think you lie, so it must be your eyes." She waves a hand over his face as if to test his eyesight, though she grins. His compliment had made her blush and she was trying to ignore it.
Dalton's suggestion of calling in to work was way too appealing. "Mmm... that sounds like a wonderful idea." Dani's head falls back on his chest, gently moving up and down with his breath and she could feel his soothing heartbeat. Anything to spend the day with him. "Carson might kill me, but at least I'll die happy, right?"
Her arms slide around him, her hands tucking between his back and the couch cushions. "We could have a picnic on the river," she suggests. "That is..." She lifts her head again and gives his lips another soft kiss. "...if you really mean it about taking the day off."
Looking up to see Beth, Justin chuckles at her question. "Just a bit of hand-eye coordination. Nothing too outlandish, and nothing involving paint or food coloring."
Grinning, he motions for her to sit down. Her eyes seemed a little brighter today, her smile a little more visible. Were their short times together doing her good? He hoped so. She had yet to share with him the pictures she'd mentioned a while back, but perhaps she didn't need that anymore. Surely she was doing more growing on her own than with him anyway.
"Good morning, by the way. How ya doing?"
Reese paces his office, wishing the phone would ring. He knew Hope was going through her transfusion and he was anxious to hear from the doctor. He was supposed to call. He'd remember. Right? On top of all that, Jason was still down, though on the mend. Rick and Ty were gone. Con was off to be with Nate and Laura, as was Jamie. And Katie was helping take care of Jason. What was the office coming to anyway?
Groaning, he flops down in his chair. maybe he should call the hospital himself. Then at least he'd be happy to have some information. No... he needed to be patient. But with so many things going on at once, it was difficult.
He sighs and grabs some paperwork. It would keep him occupied for a while - at least until he got his head on straight.
9/11/10
Naturel
Misty gives a shake of her head and a laugh as Carson sends her on her way. Stopping at his comment sinks in a little bit she turns throwing him a stern look though her eyes sparkle with humor.
"So what your trying to say is I'm slow enough at shopping that I'll take forever."
Walking backwards for a few moments Misty grins before bringing her hand to her lips and blowing a kiss to Carson. Turning back around and almost running into the counter Misty laughs and gives wave as she leave the building.
She new what kind of ice cream they both liked, but maybe tonight they could try something different? Is was always a nice to change things up now and again.
Nodding and turning to head away from the group a little bit Trey catches Pete's eye. Giving a nod he heads away from the group again to pull out his phone. His first call would be to Hayden just to check on how everything was going, the next to his parents as well. While on the phone he pulls out his smokes and lights one up taking a few drags before putting it out and placing the now cold butt into his pocket.
Once done on the phone Trey doesn't go back to the group right away but stays standing alone in the shadows. It was the place he new the best, it was like home for him. Turning and looking back at the people that were around the fire, and at Ariel who was talking with a few others he wondered did he belong here? Did he belong in the light like the others?
Letting out a long sigh and sticking hands in his pockets again Trey finally makes his way back to where Ariel was. Giving a half grin he cocks his head a little bit.
"So are we on hot chocolate duty?"
Feeling the couch move a little bit Dalton's eyes flutter a little but suddenly close again and start to water a little as he gets a whack to the nose. It wasn't that hard but it was enough to let the water run a little from his eyes. Letting out a grown he brings his hand to his nose for a moment before opening his eyes and wiping the water away.
"Remind me never to make you angry so you do that one purpose."
Grinning and receiving the kiss to the nose Dalton's arms go around Dani. He wasn't upset and his small chuckle proved it. Receiving another kiss Dalton gives a little groan in his throw letting his fingers move to Dani's hair.
As she pulls away she smiles looking up at her. Right now in her natural state, with no makeup and her hair a mess she looked even more beautiful than she ever was.
"Your so pretty you know that."
Bringing a hand to the side of her face his smile widens even more. Running his thumb over her cheek Dalton leans up to kiss her lips again.
"How about we take a sick day today and going out just the two of us...just...to get away. We both could use the time off."
Walking down the sidewalk a smile seemed to be small but placed on Beth's lips. She been having a good last few days as her spirits were up. Almost like slowly a vial was being pushed away. Not completely but it was a good start.
Seeing Justin sitting on there also famous bench Beth can feel the smile grow just a little bit more. Coming clower she looks down at the noodles and raises an eyebrow for a moment.
"Do I want to know what your doing with those things today?"
"So what your trying to say is I'm slow enough at shopping that I'll take forever."
Walking backwards for a few moments Misty grins before bringing her hand to her lips and blowing a kiss to Carson. Turning back around and almost running into the counter Misty laughs and gives wave as she leave the building.
She new what kind of ice cream they both liked, but maybe tonight they could try something different? Is was always a nice to change things up now and again.
Nodding and turning to head away from the group a little bit Trey catches Pete's eye. Giving a nod he heads away from the group again to pull out his phone. His first call would be to Hayden just to check on how everything was going, the next to his parents as well. While on the phone he pulls out his smokes and lights one up taking a few drags before putting it out and placing the now cold butt into his pocket.
Once done on the phone Trey doesn't go back to the group right away but stays standing alone in the shadows. It was the place he new the best, it was like home for him. Turning and looking back at the people that were around the fire, and at Ariel who was talking with a few others he wondered did he belong here? Did he belong in the light like the others?
Letting out a long sigh and sticking hands in his pockets again Trey finally makes his way back to where Ariel was. Giving a half grin he cocks his head a little bit.
"So are we on hot chocolate duty?"
Feeling the couch move a little bit Dalton's eyes flutter a little but suddenly close again and start to water a little as he gets a whack to the nose. It wasn't that hard but it was enough to let the water run a little from his eyes. Letting out a grown he brings his hand to his nose for a moment before opening his eyes and wiping the water away.
"Remind me never to make you angry so you do that one purpose."
Grinning and receiving the kiss to the nose Dalton's arms go around Dani. He wasn't upset and his small chuckle proved it. Receiving another kiss Dalton gives a little groan in his throw letting his fingers move to Dani's hair.
As she pulls away she smiles looking up at her. Right now in her natural state, with no makeup and her hair a mess she looked even more beautiful than she ever was.
"Your so pretty you know that."
Bringing a hand to the side of her face his smile widens even more. Running his thumb over her cheek Dalton leans up to kiss her lips again.
"How about we take a sick day today and going out just the two of us...just...to get away. We both could use the time off."
Walking down the sidewalk a smile seemed to be small but placed on Beth's lips. She been having a good last few days as her spirits were up. Almost like slowly a vial was being pushed away. Not completely but it was a good start.
Seeing Justin sitting on there also famous bench Beth can feel the smile grow just a little bit more. Coming clower she looks down at the noodles and raises an eyebrow for a moment.
"Do I want to know what your doing with those things today?"
So sorry
"Mmmm... cuddle time is definitely the best." Carson smiles down at Misty, his arms going around her too. He lets the subject of Australia drop for now - there really was no use in dwelling on it.
Giving Misty a tight squeeze and a last rough kiss, he turns her towards the door and gives her a light spank. "If you pick up the ice cream, by the time I finish here, we should get home about the same time."
Evenings were his favorite part of the day. Not just because work was over, but because he got to go home and be with Misty. Even when the days got to him, he could leave it all behind for a few hours and just enjoy the love of his life.
"Oh, sure." Ariel nods at Trey. "Go ahead and go make your calls. I'll check on the chocolate now." Giving him another smile, she pats his arm. "See you back here in a couple minutes."
Backing a way for a moment, she finally turns around and wanders to the food tables again, catching a couple other young women to ask them about hot chocolate.
Nearby, Pete was mingling, though his eyes found Trey and Ariel just getting back from the pier. It looked as though they were getting along well, and he smiles. Catching Trey's eye for a moment, he nods, giving him a little wave to let him know he hadn't forgotten about him. He doesn't bother going over to him though and acting like a babysitter - it looked like Trey was doing just fine on his own.
Dani murmurs softly as she feels Dalton's fingers run through her hair, and now that they were more comfortable, she snuggles into him a little more. She didn't know if he was planning on leaving in a while or not, but whatever time they had, she would take advantage of it. She felt safe with him here, and her fears seemed to be chased away, knowing that she wasn't alone.
Within minutes, her breathing slows, her body completely relaxed. The tears were dried, and sleep had found her once again...
...Dani 's eyes flutter halfway open and gradually bring the dimly lighted atmosphere into focus. It takes her brain a few moments to register the fact that the light wasn't coming from the lamp - it was coming from the window - the living room window. She must have fallen asleep on the couch last night.
Yawning and stretching, she moves her arms up and the back of her hand whacks something she'd forgotten was there - or rather someone. Her eyes go wide and she rolls over, only now realizing that she'd just rolled over on the top of Dalton... and had also smacked him in the face.
"Oh, I am so sorry." She bites her lip as a giggle escapes. What a rude awakening she'd given him. Scooting up a little ways, she rests on his chest and stretches to kiss his nose where she'd hit him. "There. I'll make it all better."
Wriggling her toes, she nudges his knee, giving him a sleepy grin. "You stayed all night..." Leaning her chin on his chest, her eyes look up at him with a brightness beneath the fog of just waking up, signaling that she'd slept well. "Thank you." She knew she must look a sight, in her old t-shirt, sweatpants and hair all askew, but for some reason, she didn't mind Dalton seeing her in the morning. With anybody else, she'd be embarrassed, but she was just too comfortable around him to mind.
Crawling up a little closer, she kisses him on the lips this time, then nuzzles her face into his warm neck and sighs deeply. She didn't want to get up, but she knew she had to, and she knew he'd have to get going too.
"Alright, you ready?"
Scott nods, not minding that Jenny had a hold of his arm. He did feel a might unsteady, but at least he got to go back to the other building and back to his own room again. "Yeah... yeah, I think so."
"Good." Jenny smiles warmly. The doctor had said that Scott was well enough to return to his room and that was reason enough to be happy for him. Maybe the nightmares were persisting, but he was trying to eat a little more, and his body was strong enough now to be on his own once more.
Walking slowly down the hall, Scott stops and turns the other way. "Can we walk outside instead?"
"Sure." Jenny nods. "The sun is nice and bright this morning."
Getting outside, it really was nice. Scott didn't move very quickly, enjoying the fresh air. Even though it was warm, he was glad for his hoodie. He seemed to have trouble getting warm lately, but the doctor said that wasn't unusual, with his weight loss and weakness. "Justin coming this morning?"
"As far as I know. He hasn't called to say otherwise. Why?"
Scott shrugs. "He'll start working with me again today like normal and... I don't know. Guess I'm kinda nervous."
"Oh, you'll be fine. You're doing so well, Scott. And when you're done, you can tell me what you want for lunch today."
"Hasn't the kitchen already decided what's on the menu?"
Jenny grins. "So? I know the cook personally, remember?"
A smile creases Scott's lips. "Thanks, Jenny. You're the best."
Justin pulls into the Brookshire parking lot and parks in his regular spot. Cutting the engine, it gives a strange little pop before shutting down and Justin quirks an eyebrow, shaking his head. Sooner or later, this thing was going to die, but he'd baby it until then.
Getting out of the pickup, he grabs his backpack along with what looked like two foam pool "noodles." Both dogs jump down after him, excited but sticking close obediently until he grabs their leashes.
Wandering up onto the sidewalk and getting to the normal bench, he checks his watch. He was a bit early. He knew Scott was being moved this morning, so he'd wait a little while longer to make sure he was settled in before going to him. He also wanted to call Reese in a bit for any updates on Hope since he hadn't heard anything lately.
Settling down on the bench, the dogs lie down and he deposits his backpacks and the noodles on the ground before glancing around to see if Beth was going to show up this morning too.
Giving Misty a tight squeeze and a last rough kiss, he turns her towards the door and gives her a light spank. "If you pick up the ice cream, by the time I finish here, we should get home about the same time."
Evenings were his favorite part of the day. Not just because work was over, but because he got to go home and be with Misty. Even when the days got to him, he could leave it all behind for a few hours and just enjoy the love of his life.
"Oh, sure." Ariel nods at Trey. "Go ahead and go make your calls. I'll check on the chocolate now." Giving him another smile, she pats his arm. "See you back here in a couple minutes."
Backing a way for a moment, she finally turns around and wanders to the food tables again, catching a couple other young women to ask them about hot chocolate.
Nearby, Pete was mingling, though his eyes found Trey and Ariel just getting back from the pier. It looked as though they were getting along well, and he smiles. Catching Trey's eye for a moment, he nods, giving him a little wave to let him know he hadn't forgotten about him. He doesn't bother going over to him though and acting like a babysitter - it looked like Trey was doing just fine on his own.
Dani murmurs softly as she feels Dalton's fingers run through her hair, and now that they were more comfortable, she snuggles into him a little more. She didn't know if he was planning on leaving in a while or not, but whatever time they had, she would take advantage of it. She felt safe with him here, and her fears seemed to be chased away, knowing that she wasn't alone.
Within minutes, her breathing slows, her body completely relaxed. The tears were dried, and sleep had found her once again...
...Dani 's eyes flutter halfway open and gradually bring the dimly lighted atmosphere into focus. It takes her brain a few moments to register the fact that the light wasn't coming from the lamp - it was coming from the window - the living room window. She must have fallen asleep on the couch last night.
Yawning and stretching, she moves her arms up and the back of her hand whacks something she'd forgotten was there - or rather someone. Her eyes go wide and she rolls over, only now realizing that she'd just rolled over on the top of Dalton... and had also smacked him in the face.
"Oh, I am so sorry." She bites her lip as a giggle escapes. What a rude awakening she'd given him. Scooting up a little ways, she rests on his chest and stretches to kiss his nose where she'd hit him. "There. I'll make it all better."
Wriggling her toes, she nudges his knee, giving him a sleepy grin. "You stayed all night..." Leaning her chin on his chest, her eyes look up at him with a brightness beneath the fog of just waking up, signaling that she'd slept well. "Thank you." She knew she must look a sight, in her old t-shirt, sweatpants and hair all askew, but for some reason, she didn't mind Dalton seeing her in the morning. With anybody else, she'd be embarrassed, but she was just too comfortable around him to mind.
Crawling up a little closer, she kisses him on the lips this time, then nuzzles her face into his warm neck and sighs deeply. She didn't want to get up, but she knew she had to, and she knew he'd have to get going too.
"Alright, you ready?"
Scott nods, not minding that Jenny had a hold of his arm. He did feel a might unsteady, but at least he got to go back to the other building and back to his own room again. "Yeah... yeah, I think so."
"Good." Jenny smiles warmly. The doctor had said that Scott was well enough to return to his room and that was reason enough to be happy for him. Maybe the nightmares were persisting, but he was trying to eat a little more, and his body was strong enough now to be on his own once more.
Walking slowly down the hall, Scott stops and turns the other way. "Can we walk outside instead?"
"Sure." Jenny nods. "The sun is nice and bright this morning."
Getting outside, it really was nice. Scott didn't move very quickly, enjoying the fresh air. Even though it was warm, he was glad for his hoodie. He seemed to have trouble getting warm lately, but the doctor said that wasn't unusual, with his weight loss and weakness. "Justin coming this morning?"
"As far as I know. He hasn't called to say otherwise. Why?"
Scott shrugs. "He'll start working with me again today like normal and... I don't know. Guess I'm kinda nervous."
"Oh, you'll be fine. You're doing so well, Scott. And when you're done, you can tell me what you want for lunch today."
"Hasn't the kitchen already decided what's on the menu?"
Jenny grins. "So? I know the cook personally, remember?"
A smile creases Scott's lips. "Thanks, Jenny. You're the best."
Justin pulls into the Brookshire parking lot and parks in his regular spot. Cutting the engine, it gives a strange little pop before shutting down and Justin quirks an eyebrow, shaking his head. Sooner or later, this thing was going to die, but he'd baby it until then.
Getting out of the pickup, he grabs his backpack along with what looked like two foam pool "noodles." Both dogs jump down after him, excited but sticking close obediently until he grabs their leashes.
Wandering up onto the sidewalk and getting to the normal bench, he checks his watch. He was a bit early. He knew Scott was being moved this morning, so he'd wait a little while longer to make sure he was settled in before going to him. He also wanted to call Reese in a bit for any updates on Hope since he hadn't heard anything lately.
Settling down on the bench, the dogs lie down and he deposits his backpacks and the noodles on the ground before glancing around to see if Beth was going to show up this morning too.
9/10/10
Maybe
Having Dani curl into him it felt so nice for Dalton. He loved knowing there was someone there who trusted him as there shelter, it was just...a nice feeling to know. Hearing her thanks just shot another warm chill though him as her squeezed her just a little and returns the kiss to her lips again pulling away and searing her eyes his voice was but a whisper.
"You're very welcome. I'll always come over when I know you need me, no matter where I am."
Feeling her snuggle into her more Dalton shifts on the couch still holding Dani it was quiet easy. Resting now in the corner with his leps up, but down far enough to rest his head on the coutions. Keeping Dani mostly on top of him so his strong arms could hold her. Once his hands hands finding it's way to her hair. Letting his fingers drift through the soft hair, it was soothing for him alone.
Giving a content sigh his eyes fell shut. Now being here with Dani he felt like he could sleep again and if he did, he didn't mind at all. Just keeping her close with him so he could chase the dreams away was important.
Continuing to dry the dishes Misty catches sight of the far off look in Carson's eye. It was a look she saw every now and than. It was a look she new meant he was thinking, dreaming, remembering. She new sometimes he missed home, and he missed the life of action sometimes she wished there was more she could do to make that come true for him.
"Maybe when we can we can take a vacation to Australia. Might be nice to get away, and have you show me your old stomping grounds."
Misty didn't know what to do other than that and maybe seeing if Reese could give him more cases. but if he did that than who would run the restraint? It was hard to see her husband struggle like this but she new in a way it was normal. Carson was a mad of action and still young, do this day in and day out was hard.
Coming over to him and wrapping her arm around his wast Misty looks up at him and gives a smile. She did her best, and she loved every moment with him. All she could do was be there, and be the best she could.
"I think ice cream and a move sounds great, and even better is the cuddle time with you."
Giving a grin and getting back to the fire Trey gives a look around at all the people. Some more faces were new, and some he'd met but taking them all in he liked knowing who had come, and who had gone.
Looking back to Ariel he gives a nod. She was very differnt, and it felt good to be around her even if they said very little.
"Sure we can sit on the bench and get warm a little. After that while you check on the hot chocolate I am gonna make some phone calls, but I will be back to sit with you more."
Letting his arm fall from her shoulders he wasnt to sure how people would feel seeing him with his arm around her knowing he was the new kid. The last thing he really wanted to do was upset anyone.
"You're very welcome. I'll always come over when I know you need me, no matter where I am."
Feeling her snuggle into her more Dalton shifts on the couch still holding Dani it was quiet easy. Resting now in the corner with his leps up, but down far enough to rest his head on the coutions. Keeping Dani mostly on top of him so his strong arms could hold her. Once his hands hands finding it's way to her hair. Letting his fingers drift through the soft hair, it was soothing for him alone.
Giving a content sigh his eyes fell shut. Now being here with Dani he felt like he could sleep again and if he did, he didn't mind at all. Just keeping her close with him so he could chase the dreams away was important.
Continuing to dry the dishes Misty catches sight of the far off look in Carson's eye. It was a look she saw every now and than. It was a look she new meant he was thinking, dreaming, remembering. She new sometimes he missed home, and he missed the life of action sometimes she wished there was more she could do to make that come true for him.
"Maybe when we can we can take a vacation to Australia. Might be nice to get away, and have you show me your old stomping grounds."
Misty didn't know what to do other than that and maybe seeing if Reese could give him more cases. but if he did that than who would run the restraint? It was hard to see her husband struggle like this but she new in a way it was normal. Carson was a mad of action and still young, do this day in and day out was hard.
Coming over to him and wrapping her arm around his wast Misty looks up at him and gives a smile. She did her best, and she loved every moment with him. All she could do was be there, and be the best she could.
"I think ice cream and a move sounds great, and even better is the cuddle time with you."
Giving a grin and getting back to the fire Trey gives a look around at all the people. Some more faces were new, and some he'd met but taking them all in he liked knowing who had come, and who had gone.
Looking back to Ariel he gives a nod. She was very differnt, and it felt good to be around her even if they said very little.
"Sure we can sit on the bench and get warm a little. After that while you check on the hot chocolate I am gonna make some phone calls, but I will be back to sit with you more."
Letting his arm fall from her shoulders he wasnt to sure how people would feel seeing him with his arm around her knowing he was the new kid. The last thing he really wanted to do was upset anyone.
Nostalgia
Ariel smiles at Trey's words, catching a glimpse of something deeper. There was more to him than meets the eye. She wonders if perhaps tonight was the only chance she would have to see that other side.
Though laughing at his comment about being a human heating blanket, she hadn't expected him to put his arm around her, so when he does, she looks up at him quickly. She supposed she'd made the first move by linking arms with him, but she hadn't thought he would do anything differently than that. While her feet move her forward, she still looks up at him, curious.
Grinning, she finally leans into him, slipping her arm around his back. "Mmm... you are warm. Thank you." He was... different. Not like the other guys who were only out for one thing, but not like the guys who were overly polite either. Could she be misreading him? Was he really just trying to make his move and she'd be sorry later? Something told her that wasn't it. Her instincts were usually trustworthy, and this guy didn't seem to have ill intentions - especially if he was a friend of Pete's. Not to mention, he was nice and tall and decent looking, too. His arm around her felt strong and she could tell he was in pretty good shape. Not that it was everything, but it did help the appeal.
Walking slowly back towards the fire, the glow meets them and even a ways away it was already warmer. The music and loud chatter was still going, but now that Ariel had had a break, she didn't mind it so much. Pointing to a bench near the fire, she glances up at Trey again. "Want to sit a few minutes? Then I still have to find out about that hot chocolate."
Carson gives Misty a sidelong glance as she puts the dishes away, his forced smile a sign that he wasn't sure when they'd have time off together. He did enjoy working here and having ownership of Mom and Pop's... it was something stable, and that was something he'd never had before, so it did feel good. It was honest work, and there were days that he did enjoy the cooking, now knowing so much more than he had in the beginning. He wouldn't say it was a passion at all, but he didn't dislike it. And still working with Herb and Mabel was enjoyable.
Then there were days like today when he grew weary of the same thing hour after hour. Even when Ryder was back on his feet and well, he couldn't ask him to take over for more than a day, unless it was Elite related. But with no one to step in, Carson was forced to work six long days a week, sometimes seven. They really couldn't afford to hire another cook... it was tight enough with three waitresses and sometimes an extra set of hands. Not to mention, the restaurant really wasn't big enough to hire another full-time cook.
It was days like today when Carson's mind wandered to the past... to what he used to do. Though he knew what he'd done was as far from right as he could get, the emotions were still there... the drive... the excitement... the thrills. And now... he was in a kitchen every day where the most excitement was someone wanting anchovies on their pizza.
But it was worth it, right? This was stable... honest. He didn't want to turn into who he'd been before. Would he always feel this way?
Suddenly realizing that he'd drifted into a silent stare, Carson snaps back to attention, trying to remember what Misty's question was. "Yeah," he muses. "Yeah, soon."
Letting the drain loose in the sink, he watches the water swirl and disappear. For a brief moment, the water brings a memory flashing in his mind of a river in Australia. He didn't think of Australia much anymore, but when he did, it always brought on a feeling of nostalgia and he wasn't even sure why.
He shakes his head and starts to wipe off the counter, forcing himself to focus again. "I vote for grabbing some ice cream on the way home to eat while we watch a movie of your choice."
Hearing Dalton enter the apartment, Dani remains where she is, her eyes falling shut for a moment as she feels his kiss. Being pulled nearer to him as he sits next to her, a fresh tear rolls down her cheek. She'd made it through her repressed memories, but once in a while, a nightmare still took her by surprise.
Dalton's words make her feel so safe, and moving closer, Dani crawls onto his lap, nuzzling her face into his broad chest. Her arms go around him in a hug and she takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she begins to relax.
"Thank you," she mentions quietly. She could apologize again for waking him or for making him come over, but she knew he would just chide her so she refrains.
Moving back and sitting up juts as little, she gives his lips another kiss before returning to rest against him again. Her eyes drift shut and for the first time since waking, she felt like she might actually be able to fall asleep again.
Though laughing at his comment about being a human heating blanket, she hadn't expected him to put his arm around her, so when he does, she looks up at him quickly. She supposed she'd made the first move by linking arms with him, but she hadn't thought he would do anything differently than that. While her feet move her forward, she still looks up at him, curious.
Grinning, she finally leans into him, slipping her arm around his back. "Mmm... you are warm. Thank you." He was... different. Not like the other guys who were only out for one thing, but not like the guys who were overly polite either. Could she be misreading him? Was he really just trying to make his move and she'd be sorry later? Something told her that wasn't it. Her instincts were usually trustworthy, and this guy didn't seem to have ill intentions - especially if he was a friend of Pete's. Not to mention, he was nice and tall and decent looking, too. His arm around her felt strong and she could tell he was in pretty good shape. Not that it was everything, but it did help the appeal.
Walking slowly back towards the fire, the glow meets them and even a ways away it was already warmer. The music and loud chatter was still going, but now that Ariel had had a break, she didn't mind it so much. Pointing to a bench near the fire, she glances up at Trey again. "Want to sit a few minutes? Then I still have to find out about that hot chocolate."
Carson gives Misty a sidelong glance as she puts the dishes away, his forced smile a sign that he wasn't sure when they'd have time off together. He did enjoy working here and having ownership of Mom and Pop's... it was something stable, and that was something he'd never had before, so it did feel good. It was honest work, and there were days that he did enjoy the cooking, now knowing so much more than he had in the beginning. He wouldn't say it was a passion at all, but he didn't dislike it. And still working with Herb and Mabel was enjoyable.
Then there were days like today when he grew weary of the same thing hour after hour. Even when Ryder was back on his feet and well, he couldn't ask him to take over for more than a day, unless it was Elite related. But with no one to step in, Carson was forced to work six long days a week, sometimes seven. They really couldn't afford to hire another cook... it was tight enough with three waitresses and sometimes an extra set of hands. Not to mention, the restaurant really wasn't big enough to hire another full-time cook.
It was days like today when Carson's mind wandered to the past... to what he used to do. Though he knew what he'd done was as far from right as he could get, the emotions were still there... the drive... the excitement... the thrills. And now... he was in a kitchen every day where the most excitement was someone wanting anchovies on their pizza.
But it was worth it, right? This was stable... honest. He didn't want to turn into who he'd been before. Would he always feel this way?
Suddenly realizing that he'd drifted into a silent stare, Carson snaps back to attention, trying to remember what Misty's question was. "Yeah," he muses. "Yeah, soon."
Letting the drain loose in the sink, he watches the water swirl and disappear. For a brief moment, the water brings a memory flashing in his mind of a river in Australia. He didn't think of Australia much anymore, but when he did, it always brought on a feeling of nostalgia and he wasn't even sure why.
He shakes his head and starts to wipe off the counter, forcing himself to focus again. "I vote for grabbing some ice cream on the way home to eat while we watch a movie of your choice."
Hearing Dalton enter the apartment, Dani remains where she is, her eyes falling shut for a moment as she feels his kiss. Being pulled nearer to him as he sits next to her, a fresh tear rolls down her cheek. She'd made it through her repressed memories, but once in a while, a nightmare still took her by surprise.
Dalton's words make her feel so safe, and moving closer, Dani crawls onto his lap, nuzzling her face into his broad chest. Her arms go around him in a hug and she takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she begins to relax.
"Thank you," she mentions quietly. She could apologize again for waking him or for making him come over, but she knew he would just chide her so she refrains.
Moving back and sitting up juts as little, she gives his lips another kiss before returning to rest against him again. Her eyes drift shut and for the first time since waking, she felt like she might actually be able to fall asleep again.
9/9/10
Safe
Continuing to walk Trey took in Ariel's words and thought about them for a few moments. Though he didn't say anything more about them he just kept the thoughts to himself for now. It was interesting to say the least having these new feelings stirred.
Stopping for a moment as Ariel does Trey just waits as she continued to talk. Looking down into her own eyes there was something there he could see. Something soft but said she had her own past as well. A strange sensation comes over Trey the need to want to know what it was about her. She was different and...he liked it.
"And so the time moves on, not waiting...but the path we walk can lead back to the start so we can try life once again."
Trey shakes his head a little and gives a tiny scoff. Why he remembered that from a move he'd watched with one of his ex girl friends he didn't know. It was a chick movie and he had hated it but now in this moment he remembered that one line.
Feeling Ariel's arm link with his Trey looks down at her quickly. He hadn't expected her to do that and he couldn't help but wonder why. She hardly new him. Not even thinking Trey's own arm tightens just a little bringing Ariel closer to him. He was warm as it was, but feeling her closer she had her own warmth that was different and sent a strange feeling through him. Looking down at her as they walk Trey grins returns.
"I've been told I am like a human heating blanket. Stick close and I am sure you wont get cold."
Moving his arm a little bit so her arm let go of his Trey reached out and put his arm around her shoulders bringing her even closer into him as they walked trying to offer some of his warmth to her. Yet he could not deny the new feeling he felt inside and was odd, but good at the same time.
Taking some plates and some pans from Carson to dry Misty does so before putting them away in the right places. She new pretty much where everything went in the kitchen just from helping out once or twice so it was easy to talk and put them away at the same time.
"Well at least Ryder will be coming home. Thats a step in the right direction and I am sure it will help him continue to heal. As for Thirteen helping him, I think when it comes to Ryder she wouldn't take no from him."
Looking to Carson and giving him a little snap with her towel at his comment she shakes her head her mind going back to the comment of some time off.
"I think we both need some time off together. I miss spending the days with you. They just come few and far between. Oh well, it will come soon though...right?"
Dalton was up and out of bed before Dani even agreed to him coming to see her. He was awake now, and already throwing on some lounge clothing. He wanted to be there for Dani, he loved being there for her.
"I'll be there shortly, just need to find an old hoodie to throw on."
Not bothering to change out of his soft cotton pajama pants Dalton goes to the closet and pulls out his black hoodie slipping it on over his head. Grabbing his phone, wallet and keys Dalton heads out.
Not taking to long he pulls into Dani's drive way and shuts the car off before getting out. Heading up the side walk and to the door he new it would be open for him. Letting himself in he lets his eyes get used to the dim light for a moment before glancing into the living room. Seeing Dani's form on the couch he enters and leans down of her giving her a soft kiss on the lips.
Retreating Dalton's comes around the couch and sits down next to Dani. Putting his arm out and around her shoulders he pulls her closer to him giving the top of her head a kiss. He would be her shelter, he was be her strength.
"Hey Babe, I'm here. You're safe now I promise I wont let anything happen."
Stopping for a moment as Ariel does Trey just waits as she continued to talk. Looking down into her own eyes there was something there he could see. Something soft but said she had her own past as well. A strange sensation comes over Trey the need to want to know what it was about her. She was different and...he liked it.
"And so the time moves on, not waiting...but the path we walk can lead back to the start so we can try life once again."
Trey shakes his head a little and gives a tiny scoff. Why he remembered that from a move he'd watched with one of his ex girl friends he didn't know. It was a chick movie and he had hated it but now in this moment he remembered that one line.
Feeling Ariel's arm link with his Trey looks down at her quickly. He hadn't expected her to do that and he couldn't help but wonder why. She hardly new him. Not even thinking Trey's own arm tightens just a little bringing Ariel closer to him. He was warm as it was, but feeling her closer she had her own warmth that was different and sent a strange feeling through him. Looking down at her as they walk Trey grins returns.
"I've been told I am like a human heating blanket. Stick close and I am sure you wont get cold."
Moving his arm a little bit so her arm let go of his Trey reached out and put his arm around her shoulders bringing her even closer into him as they walked trying to offer some of his warmth to her. Yet he could not deny the new feeling he felt inside and was odd, but good at the same time.
Taking some plates and some pans from Carson to dry Misty does so before putting them away in the right places. She new pretty much where everything went in the kitchen just from helping out once or twice so it was easy to talk and put them away at the same time.
"Well at least Ryder will be coming home. Thats a step in the right direction and I am sure it will help him continue to heal. As for Thirteen helping him, I think when it comes to Ryder she wouldn't take no from him."
Looking to Carson and giving him a little snap with her towel at his comment she shakes her head her mind going back to the comment of some time off.
"I think we both need some time off together. I miss spending the days with you. They just come few and far between. Oh well, it will come soon though...right?"
Dalton was up and out of bed before Dani even agreed to him coming to see her. He was awake now, and already throwing on some lounge clothing. He wanted to be there for Dani, he loved being there for her.
"I'll be there shortly, just need to find an old hoodie to throw on."
Not bothering to change out of his soft cotton pajama pants Dalton goes to the closet and pulls out his black hoodie slipping it on over his head. Grabbing his phone, wallet and keys Dalton heads out.
Not taking to long he pulls into Dani's drive way and shuts the car off before getting out. Heading up the side walk and to the door he new it would be open for him. Letting himself in he lets his eyes get used to the dim light for a moment before glancing into the living room. Seeing Dani's form on the couch he enters and leans down of her giving her a soft kiss on the lips.
Retreating Dalton's comes around the couch and sits down next to Dani. Putting his arm out and around her shoulders he pulls her closer to him giving the top of her head a kiss. He would be her shelter, he was be her strength.
"Hey Babe, I'm here. You're safe now I promise I wont let anything happen."
Thoughtful
"Um..." Dani really didn't want to be a bother to Dalton. She knew she'd woken him up - he'd have to get up, dressed and drive over here. Even if he didn't mind, she still didn't want to make him do that. But...
She bites her lip. Curling up in his big strong arms was all she wanted right now. "M...maybe just for a little while?"
Dani felt just a little silly about this whole thing, but a few minutes later as she waits for Dalton to come, she turns on the one small lamp in the living room and grabs an extra blanket for the couch. Sitting sideways, she leans her head on the back cushions, trying to settle her nerves as she waits. She knew he could just let himself in and she'd let him. Knowing that he would come... it gave her a nice warm feeling.
"It was alright." Carson rinses another pan and hands it to Misty to dry. "Busy. Party tonight was a bit of work, but it was worth it to see them having a good time. Any group with the bands is always a good one - I never have to worry about anything, even if I do give them a hard time."
Continuing to work, his mind wanders a little. "I'll be glad for a few days off eventually, but until Ryder's back on his feet, I doubt it'll happen." The only day he had off was Sunday and what he really wanted right about now was a vacation. "He gets to go home tomorrow, but he'll be on crutches for a while. Sounds like he got tore up worse than he wanted to admit, the galah. At least he's got Thirteen to look after him, if he'll let her."
Sighing, Carson rinses off one of the large pots and sets it in the strainer to air dry. "Us Aussies like to take care of ourselves, you know." He grins and gives Misty a sidelong glance. "Though I must admit... I'm kinda getting used to you taking care of me."
Ariel found it thoughtful of Trey for him to suggest they go back to the fire. Even though she wanted to stay out here and keep looking at the stars, she knew it was a good idea to head in that direction.
Ambling along beside Trey, she listens, curious about his past and his family. She got the feeling that there were secrets. She wasn't sure why, but just the way he spoke... there seemed to be a mystery there, and quite possibly one that she didn't want to find out about. He seemed a little lost, and she did wonder if he would be staying in the area or traveling back home anytime soon.
"I guess if someone looks hard enough, there's almost always something worth staying for," she muses quietly. "It does take open eyes though." She pauses her steps near the beginning of the pier and glances back over her shoulder at the water. "Sometimes it takes being away from what we love, only to realize that we did love it."
Turning her gaze back to Trey, she looks up into his eyes, finding them rather soft, but with what seemed to be a hard exterior. She wondered if it was penetrable.
Smiling a little, she hooks her arm through his without asking and continues the walk towards the fire. "If nobody's made hot chocolate, that's what I'm going to do."
She bites her lip. Curling up in his big strong arms was all she wanted right now. "M...maybe just for a little while?"
Dani felt just a little silly about this whole thing, but a few minutes later as she waits for Dalton to come, she turns on the one small lamp in the living room and grabs an extra blanket for the couch. Sitting sideways, she leans her head on the back cushions, trying to settle her nerves as she waits. She knew he could just let himself in and she'd let him. Knowing that he would come... it gave her a nice warm feeling.
"It was alright." Carson rinses another pan and hands it to Misty to dry. "Busy. Party tonight was a bit of work, but it was worth it to see them having a good time. Any group with the bands is always a good one - I never have to worry about anything, even if I do give them a hard time."
Continuing to work, his mind wanders a little. "I'll be glad for a few days off eventually, but until Ryder's back on his feet, I doubt it'll happen." The only day he had off was Sunday and what he really wanted right about now was a vacation. "He gets to go home tomorrow, but he'll be on crutches for a while. Sounds like he got tore up worse than he wanted to admit, the galah. At least he's got Thirteen to look after him, if he'll let her."
Sighing, Carson rinses off one of the large pots and sets it in the strainer to air dry. "Us Aussies like to take care of ourselves, you know." He grins and gives Misty a sidelong glance. "Though I must admit... I'm kinda getting used to you taking care of me."
Ariel found it thoughtful of Trey for him to suggest they go back to the fire. Even though she wanted to stay out here and keep looking at the stars, she knew it was a good idea to head in that direction.
Ambling along beside Trey, she listens, curious about his past and his family. She got the feeling that there were secrets. She wasn't sure why, but just the way he spoke... there seemed to be a mystery there, and quite possibly one that she didn't want to find out about. He seemed a little lost, and she did wonder if he would be staying in the area or traveling back home anytime soon.
"I guess if someone looks hard enough, there's almost always something worth staying for," she muses quietly. "It does take open eyes though." She pauses her steps near the beginning of the pier and glances back over her shoulder at the water. "Sometimes it takes being away from what we love, only to realize that we did love it."
Turning her gaze back to Trey, she looks up into his eyes, finding them rather soft, but with what seemed to be a hard exterior. She wondered if it was penetrable.
Smiling a little, she hooks her arm through his without asking and continues the walk towards the fire. "If nobody's made hot chocolate, that's what I'm going to do."
To much
Continuing to watch the sky and seeing the shooting star Trey's grin turns into a small smile. He'd seen something like that in a movie before but seeing it right in front of his eyes was a whole new meaning.
"Wow, this is defiantly a new experience. I think I like a little."
Seeing Ariel shiver a little out of the corner of his eye Trey wished he had taken his own jacket along today. He would of let her use it. Some might think it was odd someone like him would have manors, but among anything everything else his parents had taught him manors so he could make them look good and it just stuck.
Giving a little nod to the area Trey didn't want her to get sick, and he was a little chilly himself. Nor did he know when Pete wanted to leave.
"Come on lets go back to the fire where its warm."
Slowly starting back the way they came Trey's walk was slow almost like he didn't want to go back but new for there own sakes he had too.
"Don't know. As far as it looks now I am going to be here a long while, but for what is to come...I don't know. Mexico is my home, my friends and family is there. But if I had something worth staying for I just might."
Giving Ariel a side long glance he watches her for a moment. He'd had a nice time talking with Ariel but did he belong in a group like his? He wondered it was so different than the norm for him.
"It's my job to make you feel good. Though its not hard because you make yourself look good."
Watching as Carson walked back to the sink Misty leans hear head aganst the door again just watching. Letting out a content sigh. Every moment she spend with him her heart grew to his even more. She'd fallen hard for him and loved every moment of being married.
"Here, let me help so we can get home sooner."
Coming up behind Carson Misty grabs the towel from his shoulder and starts to dry a few things off. She didn't mind helping him even if there was work at home waiting too. Just spending time with him was what mattered.
"So you have a good day?"
Hearing Dani's voice on the other end of the phone Dalton snaps out of his sleepy state instantly alert as his heart pounds wanting to know whats wrong with Dani.
"Hey babe, no no no...don't worry about it. "
He didn't care Dani had called him. He could never be angry with her for waking him when she was in need. He cared to much about her for that.
"Want me to head over and sit with you? I don't mind at all knowing your ok with my own eyes would be me at ease."
Dalton would do anything for Dani she was just that important to him. Her being safe, and knowing she was ok was always on the top of his list.
"Wow, this is defiantly a new experience. I think I like a little."
Seeing Ariel shiver a little out of the corner of his eye Trey wished he had taken his own jacket along today. He would of let her use it. Some might think it was odd someone like him would have manors, but among anything everything else his parents had taught him manors so he could make them look good and it just stuck.
Giving a little nod to the area Trey didn't want her to get sick, and he was a little chilly himself. Nor did he know when Pete wanted to leave.
"Come on lets go back to the fire where its warm."
Slowly starting back the way they came Trey's walk was slow almost like he didn't want to go back but new for there own sakes he had too.
"Don't know. As far as it looks now I am going to be here a long while, but for what is to come...I don't know. Mexico is my home, my friends and family is there. But if I had something worth staying for I just might."
Giving Ariel a side long glance he watches her for a moment. He'd had a nice time talking with Ariel but did he belong in a group like his? He wondered it was so different than the norm for him.
"It's my job to make you feel good. Though its not hard because you make yourself look good."
Watching as Carson walked back to the sink Misty leans hear head aganst the door again just watching. Letting out a content sigh. Every moment she spend with him her heart grew to his even more. She'd fallen hard for him and loved every moment of being married.
"Here, let me help so we can get home sooner."
Coming up behind Carson Misty grabs the towel from his shoulder and starts to dry a few things off. She didn't mind helping him even if there was work at home waiting too. Just spending time with him was what mattered.
"So you have a good day?"
Hearing Dani's voice on the other end of the phone Dalton snaps out of his sleepy state instantly alert as his heart pounds wanting to know whats wrong with Dani.
"Hey babe, no no no...don't worry about it. "
He didn't care Dani had called him. He could never be angry with her for waking him when she was in need. He cared to much about her for that.
"Want me to head over and sit with you? I don't mind at all knowing your ok with my own eyes would be me at ease."
Dalton would do anything for Dani she was just that important to him. Her being safe, and knowing she was ok was always on the top of his list.
Shooting star
Feeling Trey's touch as he moves her lock of hair, Ariel glances to him quickly, searching his eyes for a moment. There was no fear... no reprimand. Perhaps only curiosity as to why he'd done that. She remains silent, even when his hand brushes hers, though her fingers move just a little as if testing to see what his hand felt like.
When he withdraws to look at the sky, she smiles and follows his gaze. "Sometimes taking time out to notice the little things makes life worth living."
A falling star shoots through the dark and Ariel sucks in her breath before smiling again. "So pretty. Sometimes I just come out here all by myself at night. I could sit for hours just watching the sky. In town there are just too many lights and I like to get away from the noise. Towns and cities make me feel like I'm suffocating after a while. But if I can get out of there a little bit every once in a while, it revives me."
The breeze picks up a little and it was surprisingly chilly for as warm as the day had been. Ariel rubs her arms and then folds them across her chest, wishing now she'd brought her jacket with her. "Are you staying in the area for long, Trey?"
Just letting the affectionate moment linger as long as it would, Carson can feel the tension of the day beginning to melt away. Pulling back just a little, he rests his forehead on Misty's, his eyes bright. "You always know how to make me feel good, don't you?"
Kissing her nose, he grins. "I missed you today, too. Unfortunately, I have to finish up cleaning now. But I don't open 'til late tomorrow so if we want to watch a movie tonight or something, I'm all for it."
He gives her a last kiss before finally letting her go and returning to the sink.
"Dalton?" Dani's voice quakes as she clutches the phone in her hand. She sits in the corner of the couch with her knees up to her chest and a blanket pulled up over her, a box of kleenex on the end table. It was late and she knew she might have woken Dalton, but a nightmare had woken her and without even Libby here, it was too quiet. She'd tried getting up then going back to bed, but she just couldn't settle down enough to make it work.
"I'm... I'm sorry to call but... but I... I had a nightmare and I just... I needed to hear somebody's voice."
When he withdraws to look at the sky, she smiles and follows his gaze. "Sometimes taking time out to notice the little things makes life worth living."
A falling star shoots through the dark and Ariel sucks in her breath before smiling again. "So pretty. Sometimes I just come out here all by myself at night. I could sit for hours just watching the sky. In town there are just too many lights and I like to get away from the noise. Towns and cities make me feel like I'm suffocating after a while. But if I can get out of there a little bit every once in a while, it revives me."
The breeze picks up a little and it was surprisingly chilly for as warm as the day had been. Ariel rubs her arms and then folds them across her chest, wishing now she'd brought her jacket with her. "Are you staying in the area for long, Trey?"
Just letting the affectionate moment linger as long as it would, Carson can feel the tension of the day beginning to melt away. Pulling back just a little, he rests his forehead on Misty's, his eyes bright. "You always know how to make me feel good, don't you?"
Kissing her nose, he grins. "I missed you today, too. Unfortunately, I have to finish up cleaning now. But I don't open 'til late tomorrow so if we want to watch a movie tonight or something, I'm all for it."
He gives her a last kiss before finally letting her go and returning to the sink.
"Dalton?" Dani's voice quakes as she clutches the phone in her hand. She sits in the corner of the couch with her knees up to her chest and a blanket pulled up over her, a box of kleenex on the end table. It was late and she knew she might have woken Dalton, but a nightmare had woken her and without even Libby here, it was too quiet. She'd tried getting up then going back to bed, but she just couldn't settle down enough to make it work.
"I'm... I'm sorry to call but... but I... I had a nightmare and I just... I needed to hear somebody's voice."
9/8/10
Never took the time
Getting to the pier Trey leans aganst the small railing looking out across the water. It was quiet here, and it was kind of nice. Night time was always his favorite time as well though being alone didn't come often.
"Night is one of my favorite times of day to be out and about."
Looking over at Ariel and watching her for a long moment at the wind blows her hair Trey gives grin. She was definitely very pretty and there was a spark in her eye that Trey just seemed to enjoy. Seeing another stay strand of hair fall from the braid Trey reaches his hand out and brushes the hair behind her ear.
"Rebel strands of hair, they can't be caged can they?"
A hidden meaning to his words...maybe, but he'd leave it at the hair. Looking up at the stars it only now dawns on Trey that this was one of the first times he has ever looked at the starts.
"Ha, this is the first time I have taken the time to bother looking up at the sky. Back home my nights were filled with clubs, friends, and business deals for my parents. Never really left time for star gazing. It's not to bad looking now."
Letting his hands fall from his pockets Trey's hand brushes Ariel's and for a moment he does nothing but look down at her hand. It felt so strange no having a woman who was all over him, in a way it was kind of refreshing, and than on the other hand he wondered if he'd lost his touch.
Moving his hands again Trey cross his arms across his chest as he continues to look at the stars leaning against the railing.
Still leaning against the door frame as Carson reply Misty couldn't help but let her sassy grin grow even more, as the flame in her eyes steamed to glow a little brighter today than normal. She was just in a good mood, and had missed Carson today. So to play around with him a little now was well worth it.
"Sugar, spice, everything nice, What she doesn't know wont kill her right?"
Being pulled to Carson Misty's arms go around him without hesitation as the one finds it's way to the back of his head and the other on his lower back. Returning her own kiss with a fiery passion a murmur comes from Misty as she enjoyed the kiss. As Carson pulls away Misty's smile was very big as her eyes just roam her husbands face.
"I missed you so much today. It was my pleasure to come and see you."
Returning again for another kiss Misty lets the passion out again before retreating and turning her head the other way to return for another kiss. Her fingers running through his hair and her other rubbing his back.
"Night is one of my favorite times of day to be out and about."
Looking over at Ariel and watching her for a long moment at the wind blows her hair Trey gives grin. She was definitely very pretty and there was a spark in her eye that Trey just seemed to enjoy. Seeing another stay strand of hair fall from the braid Trey reaches his hand out and brushes the hair behind her ear.
"Rebel strands of hair, they can't be caged can they?"
A hidden meaning to his words...maybe, but he'd leave it at the hair. Looking up at the stars it only now dawns on Trey that this was one of the first times he has ever looked at the starts.
"Ha, this is the first time I have taken the time to bother looking up at the sky. Back home my nights were filled with clubs, friends, and business deals for my parents. Never really left time for star gazing. It's not to bad looking now."
Letting his hands fall from his pockets Trey's hand brushes Ariel's and for a moment he does nothing but look down at her hand. It felt so strange no having a woman who was all over him, in a way it was kind of refreshing, and than on the other hand he wondered if he'd lost his touch.
Moving his hands again Trey cross his arms across his chest as he continues to look at the stars leaning against the railing.
Still leaning against the door frame as Carson reply Misty couldn't help but let her sassy grin grow even more, as the flame in her eyes steamed to glow a little brighter today than normal. She was just in a good mood, and had missed Carson today. So to play around with him a little now was well worth it.
"Sugar, spice, everything nice, What she doesn't know wont kill her right?"
Being pulled to Carson Misty's arms go around him without hesitation as the one finds it's way to the back of his head and the other on his lower back. Returning her own kiss with a fiery passion a murmur comes from Misty as she enjoyed the kiss. As Carson pulls away Misty's smile was very big as her eyes just roam her husbands face.
"I missed you so much today. It was my pleasure to come and see you."
Returning again for another kiss Misty lets the passion out again before retreating and turning her head the other way to return for another kiss. Her fingers running through his hair and her other rubbing his back.
A little spice
Ariel smiles and walks slowly towards the pier, her body language that of someone who was enjoying this atmosphere. With the noise of the party behind them, the quiet seemed extra so, and the darkness on the lake even blacker. Heading onto the pier, Ariel knows the way and wanders towards the end, eventually reaching it in silence. The glow from the fire seemed far away now, and the noise drifted beyond them on the wind.
"Mmm... I always liked it here," Ariel muses. The breeze toyed with a few loose strands of her hair, curling them around her face. She looks out across the water, then up at the moon and stars. "It's just so peaceful... quiet. I'd much rather be here at night than during the day."
Glancing over her shoulder, she has to look up to see Trey's eyes and only now does she realize just how tall he is. She grins a little, then turns back to her stargazing. "No matter where I am, the stars will always be shining. I guess I find that kind of comforting or something."
"Uh-huh." Wayne watches the passing scenery. "Yeah, it was fun. Nice to get to know them a little more. They got a lot of potential and... they seem to work well together." He shrugs. "Time will tell."
Leaning his head back, he grows silent... perhaps a little quieter than normal. After a while though, he winds up cracking some joke that starts small talk until they reach Guthrie Square and split up for the night.
Though Carson doesn't turn around, a grin creases his lips when he hears Misty's voice. Still washing a pan at the sink, he throws a sly glance over his shoulder. "Oh, I dunno... If my wife found out I was staying late with a sheila like you, she might meet me at the door and put that knife of hers to my neck."
Rinsing out the pan and setting it aside, he gives the counter a quick go-over with a towel. As he turns, he pauses and looks at Misty, the grin still on his face. "Of course... we wouldn't want things to get boring, now would we?"
He gives Misty a wink before slinging the towel over his shoulder and wandering to the doorway just inches from her. "A little spice never hurt anyone, ay?"
His grin turns into a smile as he reaches out and pulls Misty roughly to him, wrapping his arms around her and swaying just a little. "A minute or two couldn't hurt, right?" Leaning down and cocking his head, he plants a passionate kiss on Misty's lips before pulling back and smiling at her. "Thanks for coming in. It was getting too quiet down here."
"Mmm... I always liked it here," Ariel muses. The breeze toyed with a few loose strands of her hair, curling them around her face. She looks out across the water, then up at the moon and stars. "It's just so peaceful... quiet. I'd much rather be here at night than during the day."
Glancing over her shoulder, she has to look up to see Trey's eyes and only now does she realize just how tall he is. She grins a little, then turns back to her stargazing. "No matter where I am, the stars will always be shining. I guess I find that kind of comforting or something."
"Uh-huh." Wayne watches the passing scenery. "Yeah, it was fun. Nice to get to know them a little more. They got a lot of potential and... they seem to work well together." He shrugs. "Time will tell."
Leaning his head back, he grows silent... perhaps a little quieter than normal. After a while though, he winds up cracking some joke that starts small talk until they reach Guthrie Square and split up for the night.
Though Carson doesn't turn around, a grin creases his lips when he hears Misty's voice. Still washing a pan at the sink, he throws a sly glance over his shoulder. "Oh, I dunno... If my wife found out I was staying late with a sheila like you, she might meet me at the door and put that knife of hers to my neck."
Rinsing out the pan and setting it aside, he gives the counter a quick go-over with a towel. As he turns, he pauses and looks at Misty, the grin still on his face. "Of course... we wouldn't want things to get boring, now would we?"
He gives Misty a wink before slinging the towel over his shoulder and wandering to the doorway just inches from her. "A little spice never hurt anyone, ay?"
His grin turns into a smile as he reaches out and pulls Misty roughly to him, wrapping his arms around her and swaying just a little. "A minute or two couldn't hurt, right?" Leaning down and cocking his head, he plants a passionate kiss on Misty's lips before pulling back and smiling at her. "Thanks for coming in. It was getting too quiet down here."
People
Now done with his own food Trey sets the plate aside picking his beer up and taking another swig. It tasted good night as he sipped it slowly just savoring the taste and tonight not wanting to have to much and miss anything that might be going on.
"Ah, so you moved around and have been a little bit of everywhere. Moving around is not to bad, but I can see where it would start becoming a bore."
Trey hadn't moved around with his family much except when he went off to another area for school. Taking another sip of the beer and standing Trey goes to the trash and throws his own stuff away. Coming back over to where Ariel was He stands for a moment. A bit surprised by the offer to walk on the pier. She hardly new him and she wanted to walk with him?
Taking a glance around the fire and everyone else that was there Trey takes the last sip of his beer before turning and tossing it into the garbage. Giving a little shrug he sticks his hands in his pockets.
"Sure, why not, its not like I have a people lined up to talk to me."
Coming along side of Ariel Trey gives a little nod that he was ready. Starting to walk he takes in the quiet around him. It was different from the busy atmosphere he was use to, but it wasn't all that either.
Heading to her car with Wayne Jackie lets out a small sigh. Going to say something to him she stops as Erik voice is heard. Stopping and turning Jackie gives a smile to him. He was an easy guy to get along with and out of them all she felt as though they had the most understanding. Maybe it was there closeness in age, or it was just there personalty that seemed to work.
"See you tomorrow Erik, try to keep everyone out of trouble till than huh?"
Shaking her head a little and letting her eyes sparkle with humor as the reflection of the moon shone down Jackie gave a little wave. Turning back to the car and getting in she waits for Wayne to join her. Driving him home was not something she minded and it would help pass the time on the drive back.
Waiting for him to get in Jackie finally starts the car and heads out of the driveway. Heading down the street she is quiet only a few moments before she starts talking.
"Well, I think that went well and we really got a chance to see what the group was like outside the stress. I think it was a good thing to see that, and maybe we can bend a little more to there personalty when we need too. What do you think?"
Seeing everyone coming out of the building Misty new that Carson would be a long inside now. He had said to call but a surprise would be much better. Parking in the lock and using her own key on the front door she enters quickly before making her was to the kitchen.
Standing in the door way and just watching him for a long moment Misty gives a grin before leaning on the frame and giving a smile.
"Herd you wife was working late...Though I might some time in with you before you had to run home."
Misty new Carson would of heard her coming. He was a trained assassin and just because he was retied didn't mean he could ignore his sharp hearing. So she really had no worry about startling him at all.
"Ah, so you moved around and have been a little bit of everywhere. Moving around is not to bad, but I can see where it would start becoming a bore."
Trey hadn't moved around with his family much except when he went off to another area for school. Taking another sip of the beer and standing Trey goes to the trash and throws his own stuff away. Coming back over to where Ariel was He stands for a moment. A bit surprised by the offer to walk on the pier. She hardly new him and she wanted to walk with him?
Taking a glance around the fire and everyone else that was there Trey takes the last sip of his beer before turning and tossing it into the garbage. Giving a little shrug he sticks his hands in his pockets.
"Sure, why not, its not like I have a people lined up to talk to me."
Coming along side of Ariel Trey gives a little nod that he was ready. Starting to walk he takes in the quiet around him. It was different from the busy atmosphere he was use to, but it wasn't all that either.
Heading to her car with Wayne Jackie lets out a small sigh. Going to say something to him she stops as Erik voice is heard. Stopping and turning Jackie gives a smile to him. He was an easy guy to get along with and out of them all she felt as though they had the most understanding. Maybe it was there closeness in age, or it was just there personalty that seemed to work.
"See you tomorrow Erik, try to keep everyone out of trouble till than huh?"
Shaking her head a little and letting her eyes sparkle with humor as the reflection of the moon shone down Jackie gave a little wave. Turning back to the car and getting in she waits for Wayne to join her. Driving him home was not something she minded and it would help pass the time on the drive back.
Waiting for him to get in Jackie finally starts the car and heads out of the driveway. Heading down the street she is quiet only a few moments before she starts talking.
"Well, I think that went well and we really got a chance to see what the group was like outside the stress. I think it was a good thing to see that, and maybe we can bend a little more to there personalty when we need too. What do you think?"
Seeing everyone coming out of the building Misty new that Carson would be a long inside now. He had said to call but a surprise would be much better. Parking in the lock and using her own key on the front door she enters quickly before making her was to the kitchen.
Standing in the door way and just watching him for a long moment Misty gives a grin before leaning on the frame and giving a smile.
"Herd you wife was working late...Though I might some time in with you before you had to run home."
Misty new Carson would of heard her coming. He was a trained assassin and just because he was retied didn't mean he could ignore his sharp hearing. So she really had no worry about startling him at all.
Pier
"Mexico, huh?" Ariel nods, having picked up a slight accent, but not having been able to place it. Though it was dark, she could tell that Trey had fair skin, so it made her curious if he'd been in Mexico all his life or not.
Taking another bite of her hotdog, she shrugs at his question. "Yeah, pretty much. My family moved around a lot until I was like eight or nine, then we settled here. They moved again a couple years ago but I decided to stay. Got a job I like and I like the town, so why leave? Figured I better grow roots so I could call somewhere home." She smiles and nods towards the party. "And I got friends here too."
Continuing to eat, Ariel points out a few more people to Trey then explains a little bit about the lake and the places along the shore that were nice to go to. Soon she's finished eating, and rises to wander to the trashcan to throw away her plate and now-empty pop can.
Sighing with content, she cocks her head at Trey. With a group of people this close by, she had no fear of the newcomer. "Want to walk out on the pier with me?"
Erik smiles and shakes his head. "Hate to tell you this, but I think you're stuck with us now." Still smiling, he takes a sip of his pop. "But you're welcome. Glad you came along."
It seemed all too soon before the evening was winding down. Though no one wanted to call it quits, minds and bodies were growing tired, and even Kip had finally quieted down. Finishing up and helping Carson clean up a little so he wouldn't be stuck with all of it, the group eventually begins to disperse with farewells.
Out on the sidewalk, Erik takes a deep breath of the night air, tired but feeling good. Catching Jackie out of the corner of his eye, he gives her a little wave. "See you tomorrow, I guess."
Taking another bite of her hotdog, she shrugs at his question. "Yeah, pretty much. My family moved around a lot until I was like eight or nine, then we settled here. They moved again a couple years ago but I decided to stay. Got a job I like and I like the town, so why leave? Figured I better grow roots so I could call somewhere home." She smiles and nods towards the party. "And I got friends here too."
Continuing to eat, Ariel points out a few more people to Trey then explains a little bit about the lake and the places along the shore that were nice to go to. Soon she's finished eating, and rises to wander to the trashcan to throw away her plate and now-empty pop can.
Sighing with content, she cocks her head at Trey. With a group of people this close by, she had no fear of the newcomer. "Want to walk out on the pier with me?"
Erik smiles and shakes his head. "Hate to tell you this, but I think you're stuck with us now." Still smiling, he takes a sip of his pop. "But you're welcome. Glad you came along."
It seemed all too soon before the evening was winding down. Though no one wanted to call it quits, minds and bodies were growing tired, and even Kip had finally quieted down. Finishing up and helping Carson clean up a little so he wouldn't be stuck with all of it, the group eventually begins to disperse with farewells.
Out on the sidewalk, Erik takes a deep breath of the night air, tired but feeling good. Catching Jackie out of the corner of his eye, he gives her a little wave. "See you tomorrow, I guess."
9/7/10
Trouble
Throwing a few more things on his plate Trey has no problem following along side Ariel. He didn't know his way around here or who many of the people were so following her was not a problem, though making friends never was either, but seeing as this was all new territory he'd rather feel it out first.
Getting to the nice grassy spot Trey sits down next to her. Placing his own plate in his lap and the beer next to him Trey takes another chip and pops it into his mouth just taking in everyone around them, his eyes turning back to the fire one more. Turning his head slightly to look at Ariel his lips were still turned up into a grin. Taking in her looks again for a moment he couldn't help but notice her delicit features that weren't dolled up to look like a barbie like most women he new.
"Yeah, I moved here about a few weeks back from Mexico. My older cousin lives here, and my parents wanted to keep me out of some trouble that seems to follow my family. So here I am."
Picking up the beer and taking another long swig Trey looks back to the fire again. He missed home and his friends, maybe it was the freedom he had, or it was actually the people he wasn't sure. Turning back to Ariel again he takes another bit of his burger chewing before talking again.
"What about you? You lived here all your life?"
Giving a smile and a nod of agreement to Erik Jackie was about to say more when she is cut off by the yelp. Turning her head quickly to see Kip dancing trying to get the ice out of his shirt. Not being able to help the laugh Jackie's eyes seem to sparkle. It was nice to see the energy of someone younger than herself.
"Ah, energy can be a good thing. It means he'll be able to keep up with you all. Even if that means he has to burn some of it sometimes. It's better to have to much than to not have enough thats for sure."
Shaking her head a little bit and giving a chuckle Jackie looks down to where her slice of pizza was waiting for her. Taking a bit and savoring the taste she is quiet for a long moment. It had been a while since she had pizza and this tasted so good. Whiping her mouth her eyes twinkle as she looks at her pizza again and than to Erik.
"Now I know why everyone raves about this place. It's amazing. Thank you so much for inviting us along."
Getting to the nice grassy spot Trey sits down next to her. Placing his own plate in his lap and the beer next to him Trey takes another chip and pops it into his mouth just taking in everyone around them, his eyes turning back to the fire one more. Turning his head slightly to look at Ariel his lips were still turned up into a grin. Taking in her looks again for a moment he couldn't help but notice her delicit features that weren't dolled up to look like a barbie like most women he new.
"Yeah, I moved here about a few weeks back from Mexico. My older cousin lives here, and my parents wanted to keep me out of some trouble that seems to follow my family. So here I am."
Picking up the beer and taking another long swig Trey looks back to the fire again. He missed home and his friends, maybe it was the freedom he had, or it was actually the people he wasn't sure. Turning back to Ariel again he takes another bit of his burger chewing before talking again.
"What about you? You lived here all your life?"
Giving a smile and a nod of agreement to Erik Jackie was about to say more when she is cut off by the yelp. Turning her head quickly to see Kip dancing trying to get the ice out of his shirt. Not being able to help the laugh Jackie's eyes seem to sparkle. It was nice to see the energy of someone younger than herself.
"Ah, energy can be a good thing. It means he'll be able to keep up with you all. Even if that means he has to burn some of it sometimes. It's better to have to much than to not have enough thats for sure."
Shaking her head a little bit and giving a chuckle Jackie looks down to where her slice of pizza was waiting for her. Taking a bit and savoring the taste she is quiet for a long moment. It had been a while since she had pizza and this tasted so good. Whiping her mouth her eyes twinkle as she looks at her pizza again and than to Erik.
"Now I know why everyone raves about this place. It's amazing. Thank you so much for inviting us along."
9/6/10
Ketchup
Jason can't help a little grin and he moves his foot in Katie's palm.
Juice sounds good, but I'm enjoying myself right here...
All teasing aside though, he knew she was right. Other times, he could simply have a glass of orange juice or something similar and pick him right back up again. This time, his levels were rising slowly - steadily but slowly, and it was apparent that Katie knew well enough to keep up the nursing so he didn't worsen.
Promise to come back and I'll let you leave.
He nudges her leg with his heel to tease her.
Nurse Katie. I could get use to this, you know. Pampering... footrub... mmm... yeah, it's not so bad...
Eying Trey, Ariel's mouth upturns just a little at his indirect compliment. Continuing to fiddle at the table, getting herself a hotdog and some chips, she looks up as he asks her to show him around.
"Oh, I think I might be able to do that." She tosses him a wink. "Pete has a way of ditching people, doesn't he? And somehow he manages to do it with the utmost respect." Smiling, she indicates she was teasing, and she grabs her plate and can of pop. "Come on. I got dumped right before getting here, so I don't have anybody to sit with."
Wandering around the small crowd closer to the outside edge, Ariel makes sure Trey's following her. As they walk, she points out a few other people. "That's Dan over there, and Mikaela, and over there is Trudy - she's married to Dirk, so do yourself a favor and don't hit on her."
She points out a few more people, then reaching a nice level spot in the grass just a ways from the fire, she sits down and motions for Trey to join her. She automatically nods her head a little to the music that was playing, her eyes roaming from the people to the fire, then back to Trey - alert and alive. Dressed simply in fitting jeans and a tanktop, she didn't wear may frills other than a small locket around her neck and a sparkling flower clip in her hair above her braid. Slipping off her flipflops, she tucks her bare feet under her legs to sit cross-legged and sets her plate on her lap.
"So... Trey, huh? Don't think I've seen you around here before." She takes a bite of her hotdog and has to lick the ketchup off her mouth before it dribbles down her chin and she scrunches her nose with a giggle. "I make a lovely first impression for a pig," she muses as she finds her napkin. "So you new around here or what?"
Erik listens and ends up with his elbow propped up with his chin in his hand as he watches Jackie. "Mmm... that sounds like a neat place. Twila likes to tease me, but the silence can do wonders. Hard to reconnect and have a conversation with God when there's so much noise around."
A shriek halfway down the table makes him jump and he looks up to figure out what on earth was going on. His eyes find Kip, who had apparently gotten up so fast that he'd knocked over his chair, and he was now performing some kind of dance... no, wait, he was trying to get an ice cube out of his shirt.
Erik snickers as he sees a look on Theo's face that told the world he was the one who had done the deed. "Speaking of noise..." He glances back to Jackie with a wry grin. "That guy has more energy than the Energizer bunny."
Juice sounds good, but I'm enjoying myself right here...
All teasing aside though, he knew she was right. Other times, he could simply have a glass of orange juice or something similar and pick him right back up again. This time, his levels were rising slowly - steadily but slowly, and it was apparent that Katie knew well enough to keep up the nursing so he didn't worsen.
Promise to come back and I'll let you leave.
He nudges her leg with his heel to tease her.
Nurse Katie. I could get use to this, you know. Pampering... footrub... mmm... yeah, it's not so bad...
Eying Trey, Ariel's mouth upturns just a little at his indirect compliment. Continuing to fiddle at the table, getting herself a hotdog and some chips, she looks up as he asks her to show him around.
"Oh, I think I might be able to do that." She tosses him a wink. "Pete has a way of ditching people, doesn't he? And somehow he manages to do it with the utmost respect." Smiling, she indicates she was teasing, and she grabs her plate and can of pop. "Come on. I got dumped right before getting here, so I don't have anybody to sit with."
Wandering around the small crowd closer to the outside edge, Ariel makes sure Trey's following her. As they walk, she points out a few other people. "That's Dan over there, and Mikaela, and over there is Trudy - she's married to Dirk, so do yourself a favor and don't hit on her."
She points out a few more people, then reaching a nice level spot in the grass just a ways from the fire, she sits down and motions for Trey to join her. She automatically nods her head a little to the music that was playing, her eyes roaming from the people to the fire, then back to Trey - alert and alive. Dressed simply in fitting jeans and a tanktop, she didn't wear may frills other than a small locket around her neck and a sparkling flower clip in her hair above her braid. Slipping off her flipflops, she tucks her bare feet under her legs to sit cross-legged and sets her plate on her lap.
"So... Trey, huh? Don't think I've seen you around here before." She takes a bite of her hotdog and has to lick the ketchup off her mouth before it dribbles down her chin and she scrunches her nose with a giggle. "I make a lovely first impression for a pig," she muses as she finds her napkin. "So you new around here or what?"
Erik listens and ends up with his elbow propped up with his chin in his hand as he watches Jackie. "Mmm... that sounds like a neat place. Twila likes to tease me, but the silence can do wonders. Hard to reconnect and have a conversation with God when there's so much noise around."
A shriek halfway down the table makes him jump and he looks up to figure out what on earth was going on. His eyes find Kip, who had apparently gotten up so fast that he'd knocked over his chair, and he was now performing some kind of dance... no, wait, he was trying to get an ice cube out of his shirt.
Erik snickers as he sees a look on Theo's face that told the world he was the one who had done the deed. "Speaking of noise..." He glances back to Jackie with a wry grin. "That guy has more energy than the Energizer bunny."
Maybe
Giving another smile to Erik and looking back at him for a moment Jackie catch the depth in his eyes, and the life that layed beyond them. They seemed to intrigue her more on who this man was.
"There are a few nice quiet spots. We have a few parks with nice little ponds, and on the out skirts of town there are some nice high mountains that are good to just sit and have some time with God."
The mountains weren't even really mountains but its the closest they had, and it was one of her favorite spots to go. It was nice and quiet except for the nature that song there soft song.
"Maybe one day I could show you around a little so next time you could get there when you wanted too."
Enjoying the ride Trey was quiet most of the way, but nearing the area it was easy to tell a party was there. The laughter of people was loud and the music seemed even louder. Getting out of the car Trey dosnt even use the door just hopping over the top. Coming up along side Pete he scans the area. He'd been to clubs before but never an outside party like this one. If only Hayde could be here to see him now. Party's was always Trey's best friends thrill, and finding new ones his goal.
Stopping at the small group of people Trey sticks his hands in his pockets before giving a nod to both men till the one extends his hand. Looking for at it for a moment Trey finally returns it. Stopping for a moment though at Pete's statement of friendship. Trey never had many people he could consider friends so hearing Pete say it without having him do anything first was a new feeling that seemed to be a warm feeling.
Continuing to follow Pete though Trey looks around again taking everything in. Where they were, the faces of who was here, noting all the cute girls that were around. Getting to the food table and grabbing a burger Trey takes a bit of it. It tasted so good, much better than what they were feeding him back at TJY for sure.
Turning to see where Pete pointed to the girl Trey gave her a once over before cocking his head slightly. She was pretty to look at for sure, her face delicit, and her hair so soft pulled back in the braid, but her eyes seemed to be the best feature she had. The light just dancing in them, and seeming so alive. Different from the other women he'd met before.
Finishing his burger and reaching for a beer Trey gives her a small nod. His lips curling a little at her comment. She seemed to have spunk that was for sure and if she could keep up with him than that was a plus.
"Mmmm...don't call you a mermaid huh? I think I can handle that because it would do you no justice."
Twisting the top on the beer bottle Trey spots a garbage can and tosses it into it with perfect aim. Bring the bottle to his lips he takes a long swig and turns to Pete again giving a little salute.
"Don't get into any trouble man and I will try not to do the same."
Taking a few steps back he leans against the table a little bit his eyes roaming all the people. Just quiet for a long moment. It was strange being out of his element and not having anyone he new. Back home he would of been mingling and dancing with some girls already but here, this wasn't his turf and it felt strange.
Turning back to Ariel a little Trey continues to grin taking another sip before talking again.
"So Ariel, it looks like Pete just ditched me. Care to show me around a little more?"
Feeling Jason wake and his feet slide in her lap a smile forms on Katie's lap as her eyes stay on the tv but her hands move down to Jason's feel to give them a rub. It had been a long day filled with worry but earlier Destiny had helped her some with dinner and that was a good thing, Jason had rested and seemed to be getting a little of his strength back.
Mmmm...Don't be sorry I know you needed the rest. I like watching you sleep anyways you always look so at peace.
Giving a smile and pulling on some of Jason's warm emotions she lets him know she'd not upset at all that he was sleeping a little. It was important he rested and if it ment him getting better quicker than that was good.
I am sure tomorrow you will be feeling any better. Let me get you some more fruit juice so we can try and keep your sugar up ok?
"There are a few nice quiet spots. We have a few parks with nice little ponds, and on the out skirts of town there are some nice high mountains that are good to just sit and have some time with God."
The mountains weren't even really mountains but its the closest they had, and it was one of her favorite spots to go. It was nice and quiet except for the nature that song there soft song.
"Maybe one day I could show you around a little so next time you could get there when you wanted too."
Enjoying the ride Trey was quiet most of the way, but nearing the area it was easy to tell a party was there. The laughter of people was loud and the music seemed even louder. Getting out of the car Trey dosnt even use the door just hopping over the top. Coming up along side Pete he scans the area. He'd been to clubs before but never an outside party like this one. If only Hayde could be here to see him now. Party's was always Trey's best friends thrill, and finding new ones his goal.
Stopping at the small group of people Trey sticks his hands in his pockets before giving a nod to both men till the one extends his hand. Looking for at it for a moment Trey finally returns it. Stopping for a moment though at Pete's statement of friendship. Trey never had many people he could consider friends so hearing Pete say it without having him do anything first was a new feeling that seemed to be a warm feeling.
Continuing to follow Pete though Trey looks around again taking everything in. Where they were, the faces of who was here, noting all the cute girls that were around. Getting to the food table and grabbing a burger Trey takes a bit of it. It tasted so good, much better than what they were feeding him back at TJY for sure.
Turning to see where Pete pointed to the girl Trey gave her a once over before cocking his head slightly. She was pretty to look at for sure, her face delicit, and her hair so soft pulled back in the braid, but her eyes seemed to be the best feature she had. The light just dancing in them, and seeming so alive. Different from the other women he'd met before.
Finishing his burger and reaching for a beer Trey gives her a small nod. His lips curling a little at her comment. She seemed to have spunk that was for sure and if she could keep up with him than that was a plus.
"Mmmm...don't call you a mermaid huh? I think I can handle that because it would do you no justice."
Twisting the top on the beer bottle Trey spots a garbage can and tosses it into it with perfect aim. Bring the bottle to his lips he takes a long swig and turns to Pete again giving a little salute.
"Don't get into any trouble man and I will try not to do the same."
Taking a few steps back he leans against the table a little bit his eyes roaming all the people. Just quiet for a long moment. It was strange being out of his element and not having anyone he new. Back home he would of been mingling and dancing with some girls already but here, this wasn't his turf and it felt strange.
Turning back to Ariel a little Trey continues to grin taking another sip before talking again.
"So Ariel, it looks like Pete just ditched me. Care to show me around a little more?"
Feeling Jason wake and his feet slide in her lap a smile forms on Katie's lap as her eyes stay on the tv but her hands move down to Jason's feel to give them a rub. It had been a long day filled with worry but earlier Destiny had helped her some with dinner and that was a good thing, Jason had rested and seemed to be getting a little of his strength back.
Mmmm...Don't be sorry I know you needed the rest. I like watching you sleep anyways you always look so at peace.
Giving a smile and pulling on some of Jason's warm emotions she lets him know she'd not upset at all that he was sleeping a little. It was important he rested and if it ment him getting better quicker than that was good.
I am sure tomorrow you will be feeling any better. Let me get you some more fruit juice so we can try and keep your sugar up ok?
Mingle
Erik leans his elbows on the table, and cocks his head at Jackie, seeming to let the others just fade into the background. "Yeah... yeah, it is." He takes a sip of his pop and grins a little. "As you can see, the quiet can be hard to come by with this bunch."
He searches Jackie's eyes for a moment before sitting back again and scanning the room. "Any good quiet spots in the area?"
Pete gets Trey out and into his car, giving him a sidelong glance as he starts the engine. "Up at the lake. About half an hour from here. Good spot."
Peeling out of the parking lot, once on the road, he cranks the radio's rock station, which provides the noise for the ride out of town and to the lake. It was good and dark by now, and when they reach the lake, Pete bypasses the parking lot to hit a lane that led to a less-used lot where a bonfire was burning brightly. There was a small crowd milling. Someone had a boombox with music going and people were laughing and chatting. A couple tables were set up with food and drinks and someone was grilling. A quick headcount would bring an estimate of about fifty people.
Parking nearby, Pete cuts the motor and looks to Trey with a grin. "Here we are. Come on."
Getting out and making sure Trey was with him, Pete wanders over to the group, tucking his keys in his pocket.
"Yo, Pete!" A couple guys approach him with enthusiasm, greeting him with handshakes. "What's up, man? Who's with you?"
Pete smiles. "Hey, guys. This is my friend, Trey. Trey, this is Wade and Dirk."
"Hey, hey." Dirk grins and extends his hand to Trey. "Any friend of Pete's is a friend of hours. Make yourself at home."
Pete gestures with his head to Trey. "Come on." Leading the way into the little crowd, more people greet Pete with just as much enthusiasm, proving he was respected here. He takes his time before getting to the food and grabbing himself a hamburger, motioning Trey to do the same if he wanted. "Oh, and...." He takes a bite, still talking. "Over here, we have the lovely Ariel."
A young, slender woman with her dark hair pulled back into a braid looks up from the other side of the table where she was just grabbing a can of pop. She smiles. "Hi, Pete. What's up?"
"Just wanted you to say hi to my friend Trey here. He's a newbie so if you see him wandering aimlessly, you might wanna grab him and keep him company or something."
Ariel smirks at Pete, but humor dances in her eyes as they reflect the bonfire. She gives Trey a once over and nods. "I can do that. Don't call me a mermaid and I won't call you a lunchroom utensil."
Pete chuckles and gives Trey's shoulder a pat. "Have fun. I'm gonna mingle."
Holding Libby closely, Ty just enjoys the moment. He didn't get to see her quite as much now that she was living with Dani, so any time they were able to spend just the two of them seemed even more special.
Pulling back a little, Ty runs his hand down her cheek and smiles. "Sleep well. You can leave the door partway open if you want, in case you need anything in the night."
He squeezes her hand one last time, then reluctantly retreats to the adjoining room, going to his bed and flopping down.
Rick sets aside the book he was reading and rolls over to look at Ty, a little smile on his face. "Nervous?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Don't be. It'll be fine tomorrow."
"Yeah." Ty hoped so. He just wanted to find a solution... but his unvoiced fear was that there was nothing to be done and he would feel stupid for the rest of his life.
"Get some sleep," Rick advises as he goes to wash up in the small bathroom. "We got a long day ahead of us."
Jason's eyes flutter open and for a moment he feels dazed until he realizes he'd fallen asleep while watching television. He'd felt lethargic for two days, but tonight seemed to be better. He'd felt utterly useless for two days too, needing Katie around just to help keep an eye on Destiny since he was in no shape to do it himself. He hated feeling useless, but he'd done his best at letting Destiny know he was fine and nothing was really wrong.
Yawning, he stretches and looks around the living room. Destiny had probably gone to bed already - or at least to her room for the night. And Katie... He nudges her with his foot and rolls onto his back, letting both bare feet rest on her lap. He gives her a sleepy smile.
Sorry I fell asleep again. I've been a lively one, haven't I?
He yawns again.
Tomorrow... tomorrow I'll be back to normal.
Scott sits on the hospital bed, his knees to his chest as he rocks. The nightmares were worse than sessions with Justin... they skewed reality and brought memories he never wanted to face again.
"Shh... you're okay." Jenny sits next to him and gently rubs his back, having been summoned after Scott's scream had alerted the whole floor of the medical wing.
"No, I'm not," he mutters as a tear rolls down his cheek. "I'll never be okay."
"Aw, now that's not true. Look at you... you've gained two pounds and tomorrow you get to go back to your own room again. Justin says you're doing well and even Doctor Hawks says you're improving." Jenny tries to get him to see her smile. "There's always hope, Scott... no matter what."
Scott sniffs and swipes his eyes, his rocking ceasing for now. Hope. Jenny was talking about actual hope, though his mind thought of the woman he loved anyway. Was she still sick? How was she doing? Was she really waiting for him just like Dalton said? "What kind of future is this?" he mutters helplessly.
Jenny furrows her brow. "What do you mean?"
"I... I mean... how would you like it if... if... well, if you had some guy who always had these nightmares? What kind of a future would that be for the both of you?" His face grows warm. "I mean... like, together... and..."
Jenny's smile returns, more gently this time and she puts her arm around his shoulders. She understood now. "If I had a man I loved enough to marry... then whatever he went through - even if he woke me up every night with a terrible nightmare... it would still be worth it. Love looks beyond those things, Scott. I'd have an awful lot he'd have to put up with too, and I'd be so grateful that he chose me, that I'd do anything for him - even stay up every night."
Another tear trickles down Scott's face and he leans his head in Jenny's shoulder. She was one of the few friends he'd made here. "But I'm so weak."
"No you're not. Look at me." Jenny moves him so he will look her in the eye. "You're weak here." She motions gently to his blind eye. "And you're weak here." She touches his arm. "And you're week here." She touches his stomach, then looks into his eyes with compassion. "But it's what's in here that counts." She lays a hand on his chest. "Your heart is so strong, and that's what matters the most. Any woman who truly loves you won't care if your body gives out on you. It's your heart she wants."
"Really?"
"Yes, really." Jenny's smile remains. "And it's true for all your friends, too. That big friend of yours... Dalton? You think he comes because you can out-muscle him?" She shakes her head. "He comes because you're his friend and because of your heart. And your sister? You think she cares just because of what you've accomplished in the past or because of what you might have to offer? No... she comes because she loves you and because she knows what's inside of you. Do you understand?"
"I think so."
"Good." Jenny slides off the bed and gently lays Scott back down again, pulling his blanket up over him. "Don't worry so much," she prompts softly. "If you've got a girl who's waiting for you... you can believe that nothing after this will seem too bad at all."
Sighing, Scott turns onto his side as Jenny leaves, to look at the little blue and green lava lamp in the corner. Jenny had brought it to him so he'd have a light at night and it helped. Was she right about the way others felt about him? And was it true for Hope as well? Would she really put up with all that was wrong with him now? Could he really be the man she wanted? Could he really be strong enough for her, even with so many things that were weak about him? He wanted to be able to take care of her, not the other way around. But if he did need help the rest of his life, was she really willing to do it? And if she was, could he swallows his pride enough to allow it?
Closing his eyes, he tries to fall back to sleep. In a few hours it would be time to rise, then Justin would be here again.
He searches Jackie's eyes for a moment before sitting back again and scanning the room. "Any good quiet spots in the area?"
Pete gets Trey out and into his car, giving him a sidelong glance as he starts the engine. "Up at the lake. About half an hour from here. Good spot."
Peeling out of the parking lot, once on the road, he cranks the radio's rock station, which provides the noise for the ride out of town and to the lake. It was good and dark by now, and when they reach the lake, Pete bypasses the parking lot to hit a lane that led to a less-used lot where a bonfire was burning brightly. There was a small crowd milling. Someone had a boombox with music going and people were laughing and chatting. A couple tables were set up with food and drinks and someone was grilling. A quick headcount would bring an estimate of about fifty people.
Parking nearby, Pete cuts the motor and looks to Trey with a grin. "Here we are. Come on."
Getting out and making sure Trey was with him, Pete wanders over to the group, tucking his keys in his pocket.
"Yo, Pete!" A couple guys approach him with enthusiasm, greeting him with handshakes. "What's up, man? Who's with you?"
Pete smiles. "Hey, guys. This is my friend, Trey. Trey, this is Wade and Dirk."
"Hey, hey." Dirk grins and extends his hand to Trey. "Any friend of Pete's is a friend of hours. Make yourself at home."
Pete gestures with his head to Trey. "Come on." Leading the way into the little crowd, more people greet Pete with just as much enthusiasm, proving he was respected here. He takes his time before getting to the food and grabbing himself a hamburger, motioning Trey to do the same if he wanted. "Oh, and...." He takes a bite, still talking. "Over here, we have the lovely Ariel."
A young, slender woman with her dark hair pulled back into a braid looks up from the other side of the table where she was just grabbing a can of pop. She smiles. "Hi, Pete. What's up?"
"Just wanted you to say hi to my friend Trey here. He's a newbie so if you see him wandering aimlessly, you might wanna grab him and keep him company or something."
Ariel smirks at Pete, but humor dances in her eyes as they reflect the bonfire. She gives Trey a once over and nods. "I can do that. Don't call me a mermaid and I won't call you a lunchroom utensil."
Pete chuckles and gives Trey's shoulder a pat. "Have fun. I'm gonna mingle."
Holding Libby closely, Ty just enjoys the moment. He didn't get to see her quite as much now that she was living with Dani, so any time they were able to spend just the two of them seemed even more special.
Pulling back a little, Ty runs his hand down her cheek and smiles. "Sleep well. You can leave the door partway open if you want, in case you need anything in the night."
He squeezes her hand one last time, then reluctantly retreats to the adjoining room, going to his bed and flopping down.
Rick sets aside the book he was reading and rolls over to look at Ty, a little smile on his face. "Nervous?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Don't be. It'll be fine tomorrow."
"Yeah." Ty hoped so. He just wanted to find a solution... but his unvoiced fear was that there was nothing to be done and he would feel stupid for the rest of his life.
"Get some sleep," Rick advises as he goes to wash up in the small bathroom. "We got a long day ahead of us."
Jason's eyes flutter open and for a moment he feels dazed until he realizes he'd fallen asleep while watching television. He'd felt lethargic for two days, but tonight seemed to be better. He'd felt utterly useless for two days too, needing Katie around just to help keep an eye on Destiny since he was in no shape to do it himself. He hated feeling useless, but he'd done his best at letting Destiny know he was fine and nothing was really wrong.
Yawning, he stretches and looks around the living room. Destiny had probably gone to bed already - or at least to her room for the night. And Katie... He nudges her with his foot and rolls onto his back, letting both bare feet rest on her lap. He gives her a sleepy smile.
Sorry I fell asleep again. I've been a lively one, haven't I?
He yawns again.
Tomorrow... tomorrow I'll be back to normal.
Scott sits on the hospital bed, his knees to his chest as he rocks. The nightmares were worse than sessions with Justin... they skewed reality and brought memories he never wanted to face again.
"Shh... you're okay." Jenny sits next to him and gently rubs his back, having been summoned after Scott's scream had alerted the whole floor of the medical wing.
"No, I'm not," he mutters as a tear rolls down his cheek. "I'll never be okay."
"Aw, now that's not true. Look at you... you've gained two pounds and tomorrow you get to go back to your own room again. Justin says you're doing well and even Doctor Hawks says you're improving." Jenny tries to get him to see her smile. "There's always hope, Scott... no matter what."
Scott sniffs and swipes his eyes, his rocking ceasing for now. Hope. Jenny was talking about actual hope, though his mind thought of the woman he loved anyway. Was she still sick? How was she doing? Was she really waiting for him just like Dalton said? "What kind of future is this?" he mutters helplessly.
Jenny furrows her brow. "What do you mean?"
"I... I mean... how would you like it if... if... well, if you had some guy who always had these nightmares? What kind of a future would that be for the both of you?" His face grows warm. "I mean... like, together... and..."
Jenny's smile returns, more gently this time and she puts her arm around his shoulders. She understood now. "If I had a man I loved enough to marry... then whatever he went through - even if he woke me up every night with a terrible nightmare... it would still be worth it. Love looks beyond those things, Scott. I'd have an awful lot he'd have to put up with too, and I'd be so grateful that he chose me, that I'd do anything for him - even stay up every night."
Another tear trickles down Scott's face and he leans his head in Jenny's shoulder. She was one of the few friends he'd made here. "But I'm so weak."
"No you're not. Look at me." Jenny moves him so he will look her in the eye. "You're weak here." She motions gently to his blind eye. "And you're weak here." She touches his arm. "And you're week here." She touches his stomach, then looks into his eyes with compassion. "But it's what's in here that counts." She lays a hand on his chest. "Your heart is so strong, and that's what matters the most. Any woman who truly loves you won't care if your body gives out on you. It's your heart she wants."
"Really?"
"Yes, really." Jenny's smile remains. "And it's true for all your friends, too. That big friend of yours... Dalton? You think he comes because you can out-muscle him?" She shakes her head. "He comes because you're his friend and because of your heart. And your sister? You think she cares just because of what you've accomplished in the past or because of what you might have to offer? No... she comes because she loves you and because she knows what's inside of you. Do you understand?"
"I think so."
"Good." Jenny slides off the bed and gently lays Scott back down again, pulling his blanket up over him. "Don't worry so much," she prompts softly. "If you've got a girl who's waiting for you... you can believe that nothing after this will seem too bad at all."
Sighing, Scott turns onto his side as Jenny leaves, to look at the little blue and green lava lamp in the corner. Jenny had brought it to him so he'd have a light at night and it helped. Was she right about the way others felt about him? And was it true for Hope as well? Would she really put up with all that was wrong with him now? Could he really be the man she wanted? Could he really be strong enough for her, even with so many things that were weak about him? He wanted to be able to take care of her, not the other way around. But if he did need help the rest of his life, was she really willing to do it? And if she was, could he swallows his pride enough to allow it?
Closing his eyes, he tries to fall back to sleep. In a few hours it would be time to rise, then Justin would be here again.
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